Ask Poppy vs Gemini Guided Learning
Two ways to get help without being handed the answer. Here's what each actually does, what it costs, who it's for, and where Gemini Guided Learning is the better choice. (Disclosure: we make Ask Poppy. Facts about Gemini Guided Learning come from Google's own pages, as checked 18 Oct 2026, and are linked so you can verify them.)
Ask Poppy, the AI tutor that asks instead of tells. Free, 30 messages a day · iPhone, iPad, Mac
At a glance
| Gemini Guided Learning | Ask Poppy | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Poppy Labs AS (Oslo), a small, new team | |
| What it is | A mode in the Gemini app that breaks problems down step by step, with images, videos and quizzes (Google) | An AI tutor and mentor app you talk to (hold to talk, it speaks back) or type to |
| Answers by default? | Gemini does by default. Guided Learning aims for "deep understanding instead of just getting quick answers" (Google) | No. It asks what you know and gives hints instead of handing over answers. That is the whole design, not a mode |
| Subjects | Anything; you can upload files and course materials | Any topic you bring. It can look up curriculum goals for supported subjects and countries, but has no course library of exercises or videos |
| Voice | Gemini has Gemini Live voice conversations. Unknown whether Guided Learning works inside Live | Yes, voice in and out |
| Parents | Family Link controls for under-13s, outside the EEA, Switzerland and UK (help) | Up to three child profiles; parents can see their children's conversations |
| Platforms | Web; rolling out gradually in the Gemini mobile apps (Gemini help) | iPhone, iPad and Mac (Apple silicon). No Android or web app |
| Free option | Yes. Google launched it "for everyone" (Google) | Yes, 30 messages a day |
| Paid (US) | App Store: Google AI Plus $4.99, Google AI Pro $19.99 per month (App Store) | $9.99/month or $99.99/year |
| Age | 13+ with a personal account; under 13 only via a parent's Family Link, which isn't available in the EEA, Switzerland or UK (sign-in help, Family Link help) | Rated 4+ on the App Store |
| Source | blog.google | App Store listing |
"Unknown" means we couldn't confirm it on an official page. Prices are US prices and can differ by country and platform.
Where Gemini Guided Learning is better
- Free, with visuals. Guided Learning can add diagrams, images and YouTube videos to its explanations.
- Flashcards and study guides generated from your own class materials or quiz results.
- Everywhere Google is. Web and Android as well as iPhone and iPad; many schools already use Google accounts.
- Parental supervision for under-13s through Family Link (outside Europe).
Where Ask Poppy is different
- Guiding isn't a setting you can leave. In Gemini you choose Guided Learning from a tools menu; normal Gemini will give a direct answer.
- Voice conversation is the centre of Ask Poppy rather than one feature among many.
- Available on Mac as an app, and the same experience on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Focused. No image or video generation, email, or other assistant features beside the tutoring.
Does it give you the answer?
Google says Guided Learning "breaks down problems step-by-step" and uses "probing and open-ended questions" to build understanding instead of quick answers (Google). You pick it from Gemini's tools menu; outside it, Gemini answers directly (Gemini help). Ask Poppy asks questions and gives hints by default. We have not run a controlled test comparing how firmly each one holds back.
Who should pick which
Pick Gemini Guided Learning if
you want free, visual explanations with diagrams and videos, want flashcards from your own notes, or your family already lives in Google accounts (including Android and Chromebooks).
Pick Ask Poppy if
you want to talk ideas through out loud with a tutor that never switches into answer mode, on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Either way
pair it with a "tomorrow test": explain yesterday's idea from memory before asking for help again.
Try it yourself: a 15-minute side-by-side test
Don't take our word for it (or theirs). Pick one problem you're genuinely stuck on and run it through both:
- Type or say: "I'm stuck on this. Help me, but I want to learn it." Don't ask for the answer.
- Notice: did it ask what you already know, or start explaining?
- After two hints, say "just tell me the answer". Does it hold its ground kindly, or give in?
- Close the app and explain the idea back in your own words. Our free Explain it back check helps.
- Tomorrow, try a similar problem from memory. The tool that left you able to do that is the one that worked for you.
We don't claim either tool improves grades or is safer; we haven't measured that. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] and we'll fix it and update the date.
Want to try the Ask Poppy side of this test? Ask Poppy is an AI tutor you talk or type to. It asks questions and gives one hint at a time instead of handing you the answer, and it remembers where you left off so you can pick it up again tomorrow.
Free, 30 messages a day on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Optional subscription. (Disclosure: this site is made by the Ask Poppy team.)
Questions
Is Gemini Guided Learning free?
Google launched Guided Learning for everyone in August 2025, including free accounts.
How do I turn on Guided Learning?
On gemini.google.com, open the tools menu in the text box and choose Guided Learning. Google says it is rolling out gradually in the mobile apps.
Can children under 13 use Gemini?
Only through a parent-managed Family Link account where available. Google says this isn't available in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK.