xAI review: a data-backed look

xAI overview

xAI develops Grok, a truth‑focused AI chatbot powered by large language models and backed by its custom Colossus supercomputer. It delivers real‑time, sarcastic responses with advanced reasoning, drawing from X (Twitter) data.

xAI positions Grok as an explainable, “maximum truth‑seeking” alternative to traditional chatbots. It targets researchers, developers, and power users who want transparent, edgy AI, blending real-time insights with fast, logic-driven answers.

How much do businesses spend on xAI?

The chart below illustrates the average quarterly spending on xAI across different business sizes.

Micro businesses demonstrate the most dramatic spending pattern on x.ai, with quarterly expenditure starting from minimal levels and experiencing explosive growth, reaching peak levels before moderating slightly.

Mid-market and enterprise companies show steady, gradual growth throughout the measured period with consistent upward trajectory.

Small and medium-sized businesses maintain modest spending levels with gentle increases over time.

The data reveal a striking adoption pattern, where smaller organizations are leading the charge in platform investment, demonstrating a rapid scaling of their commitment to x.ai's services, while larger organizations show more measured growth approaches.

Who is xAI best for?

The chart below breaks down Perplexity AI’s user base by industry and business size.

Micro businesses represent the largest portion of x.ai's user base, comprising the dominant segment of platform adoption.

Small and medium-sized companies constitute a significant portion of users, while mid-market and enterprise businesses represent the smallest segment.

xAI key features

Reasoning modes (“Think” & “Big Brain”)

• What it does: Performs multi-step reasoning, displays chain-of-thought, and solves complex problems using configurable compute intensity.
• Key benefit: Delivers transparent, high-quality logic and insights for research, coding, and expert-level queries.

DeepSearch

• What it does: Searches live web and X streams to pull up-to-date information during conversations.
• Key benefit: Enables real-time, context-rich answers backed by current data.

Vision understanding

• What it does: Processes images/camera input to caption, translate, and interpret visuals live.
• Key benefit: Supports mobile, visual workflows like translation, document analysis, and accessibility.

Real-time voice and language support

• What it does: Understands and responds in multiple spoken languages via voice mode.
• Key benefit: Enables multilingual, hands-free interaction for global users.

Code execution and math solving

• What it does: Handles code generation, debugging, and mathematical calculations within chat.
• Key benefit: Aids developers and STEM professionals with fast, accurate technical assistance.

Image generation (Flux/Aurora)

• What it does: Creates images from text prompts using xAI’s native diffusion models.
• Key benefit: Empowers creative prototyping and visual content creation inside the chat.

API with function calling & JSON output

• What it does: Supports structured responses and integrates external actions via API calls.
• Key benefit: Simplifies embedding Grok into automated workflows and applications.

xAI pricing

Consumer plans

API access

xAI pros & cons

xAI is a good fit if:

• Your team needs real-time information from social and web sources.
• Your team needs transparent reasoning in step-by-step logical formats.
• Your team needs support for research, development, or technical operations.
• Your team needs fast multimodal access through voice or vision.

Consider alternatives if:

• Your team needs full enterprise deployment with compliance and control.
• Your team needs private training or advanced model fine-tuning options.
• Your team needs strong collaboration support and internal team features.
• Your team needs plugins, apps, and better ecosystem-level integrations.