Claude
The quality pick — leads coding benchmarks and long-document work.
ChatGPT review
The most-used AI assistant — broadest features, biggest ecosystem.
OpenAI Free tier API
At a glance
| Developer | OpenAI |
|---|---|
| Current model | GPT-5.5 (free) / GPT-5.x ladder on paid tiers |
| Free tier | Yes — limited GPT-5.5 messages (roughly 10 per 5 hours), with browsing, file uploads and image analysis; ad-supported elements introduced in 2026 |
| Paid from | $8/mo (Go) — Plus $20/mo |
| Plan ladder | Free · Go $8 · Plus $20 · Pro $100 · Pro Max $200; Business $25/user/yr-billed |
| Context window | Large (varies by tier/model) |
| Multimodal | Text, images, voice, file analysis, image generation |
| Public API | ✔ Yes |
| Open weights | ✕ No |
| Data & privacy | Consumer chats may be used for training unless you opt out; UK data residency available on Enterprise/API tiers |
| Official site | https://chatgpt.com |
Pros & cons
What's good
- Widest feature set in one place — search, files, images, voice, custom GPTs
- Biggest ecosystem and community; most tutorials assume ChatGPT
- Cheapest paid entry point of the big three with the $8 Go tier
What to watch
- Free tier now includes advertising elements
- Jack of all trades — beaten by specialists on coding depth and long documents
Ad slot: 2020202020
Who is ChatGPT for?
ChatGPT tends to suit people who want good at everything, writing & content, image generation, voice conversation, business & teams. There's a free tier, so the cheapest way to decide is simply to try it.
Not sure? Take the 60-second quiz → Compare ChatGPT →
Alternatives to consider
Microsoft Copilot
AI woven through Windows and Microsoft 365.
Gemini
The best free tier, deepest Google integration, huge context.