FreeTaxUSA vs H&R Block: what AI actually recommends
The same buying questions, run after run, to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity: the record of which of these two they name first. No opinions, no scores we invented: what the models said.
AI currently favors FreeTaxUSA. Ahead in 1 of 1 shared category on consensus rank.
That is the latest close, not a verdict for all time. The model-by-model board below shows where they agree, where they split, and how both brands moved.
At the latest close, FreeTaxUSA leads 1 and H&R Block leads 0 across the 1 category they both appear in.
Beyond this pairing, FreeTaxUSA is ranked in 1 category; H&R Block is ranked in 1 category. The board below is the shared slice, where the four models place these two side by side.
The record, category by category.
Consensus rank · latest close- #2FreeTaxUSADown 1 from the last closespread 2Gemini#3PPLX#1
- #3H&R BlockNo change from the last closespread 3Gemini#2PPLX#4
On consensus rank, FreeTaxUSA leads here, #2 to H&R Block's #3. 43 to 37 on the 0-100 score. The models split: Gemini rank H&R Block ahead, while Perplexity keep FreeTaxUSA in front. FreeTaxUSA slipped 1 since the last close.
What the models actually said.
The ranking is the answer; these are the words behind it. Every quote is from a recorded model answer — follow the category to read it whole.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA — My best overall pick for most DIY filers because federal filing is free even for investments, rental income, and self-employment, while state returns are a straightforward $15.99 each rather than a costly upgrade ladder.
ChatGPT
H&R Block
H&R Block Online or Desktop — Best paid choice if you value a polished experience plus an easy path to real human help, review services, or an in-person office when your return gets complicated.
ChatGPT
Where the models split.
Across all 1 category these two share, at least one model breaks from the others every time. There is no category where the four line up cleanly.
Model by model, Perplexity is FreeTaxUSA's strongest backer, placing it ahead in 1 of the 1; Gemini leans the other way, favoring H&R Block in 1.
- ChatGPTsplit 0-0
- Claudesplit 0-0
- Geminifavors H&R Block 1-0
- Perplexityfavors FreeTaxUSA 1-0