"It's been a few years since ChatGPT burst onto the scene, and over that time, the AI chatbot has continuously updated with new models, features, products, and limitations. While there's a lot you can do with the free tier, which does provide access to the latest and most powerful GPT-5 model, some features and perks are reserved for paid plans like ChatGPT Plus."
"You may not need to pay, depending on how often you use ChatGPT. OpenAI introduced Plus to manage demand and guarantee access during busy periods (no more "at capacity" errors!). Plus also unlocks early access to new features and models, making the $20 plan a no-brainer for power users. However, as ChatGPT has evolved, the free tier has received many upgrades. It's, therefore, worth re-evaluating whether Plus is worth it in 2025."
ChatGPT's free tier provides access to the latest GPT-5 model but enforces heavy usage limits and fewer perks. ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month and grants priority access during busy periods, early access to new features and models, and fewer usage restrictions. Plus targets power users who rely on the service for work, writing, coding, or image creation. The free tier has received upgrades, making subscription value depend on individual usage patterns. A $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription exists for more demanding needs. Ziff Davis filed an April 2025 lawsuit alleging OpenAI used copyrighted material in model training.
Read at ZDNET
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]