ChatGPT
OpenAI's AI assistant for questions, writing, coding and research, with a free tier and paid plans for more capable models.
Overview
ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI assistant from OpenAI that handles questions, writing, coding, research and analysis in a chat interface. The free tier gives access to a capable model; paid plans unlock more powerful models, higher usage limits, file and image uploads, web browsing, voice conversation mode and image generation. A sandboxed code interpreter runs and visualises code on request. It is available as a web app, iOS and Android apps, and through the OpenAI API for developers.
Key features
- Multi-model chat with multiple capability and speed tiers
- Web browsing and live search
- Code writing and execution in a sandbox
- Image generation built in
- Voice conversation mode
- File and image uploads
- Custom instructions and persistent memory
- User-created custom GPT marketplace
Pricing
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Monthly
- From $8/month
- Yearly
- Not on record
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- Not on record
- Last verified
- Checked October 4, 2026
Pros
- Supports multiple models including reasoning-focused tiers
- Free tier is capable for everyday use
- Works with images, files, voice and code in one product
- Large library of user-created custom GPTs
Cons
- Most capable models require a paid plan
- Free tier has usage limits during peak demand
- Memory is opt-in and limited on the free tier
Who should use it
- Everyday questions and general task help
- Writing assistance across many formats
- Generating and explaining code
- Working through documents and data
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams, Enterprise
Who shouldn't
- Always-current real-time information on the free tier
- Users who prefer a single specialized tool
Facts
- Category
- AI assistants
- Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android, API
- Integrations
- Zapier, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Wolfram Alpha
- API
- Available
- Skill level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Team size
- Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams, Enterprise
- Data and privacy
- We have no verified details on data handling. Read the vendor's privacy policy before uploading sensitive material.
Alternatives
- ClaudeAI assistants
Anthropic's AI assistant with a long context window, nuanced reasoning and strong performance on writing and analysis.
From $20/month - Google GeminiAI assistants
Google's multimodal AI assistant with live web search and deep integration with Gmail, Docs and Drive.
From $9.99/month - Microsoft CopilotAI assistants
Microsoft's AI assistant built into Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365, with live web search and integration across Office apps.
From $9.99/monthNot yet verified - PerplexityAI assistants
An AI search assistant that answers questions with cited web sources and supports multi-step deep research reports.
Pricing information is currently unavailable.Not yet verified - GrokAI assistants
xAI's AI assistant with access to real-time posts from X, image generation and conversational question answering.
From $30/month
Frequently asked questions
How much does ChatGPT cost?
From $8/month. Checked October 4, 2026.
Does ChatGPT have a free plan?
Yes. ChatGPT has a free plan.
Who is ChatGPT best for?
Everyday questions and general task help; Writing assistance across many formats; Generating and explaining code; Working through documents and data.
Which platforms does ChatGPT run on?
Web, iOS, Android, API.
Does ChatGPT have an API?
Yes, ChatGPT offers an API.
What are the alternatives to ChatGPT?
Tools often weighed against ChatGPT include Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, Grok.