Quick Answer
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ChatGPT pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $0 to $200 per user/month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.

Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.

  • Free tier: No free tier available
  • Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
  • Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training
Freemium

ChatGPT offers a freemium model with limited features; upgrade to unlock more.

What's Included in the Free Plan

  • Access to GPT-5.2 Instant
  • Basic text generation and conversation
  • Standard response speed
  • Access on web, iOS, and Android
  • Basic file uploads and analysis

What's NOT Included (Paid Only)

  • Access to GPT-5.2 Thinking mode
  • 5x higher message limits than Free
  • Priority access during peak times
  • Advanced Voice mode
  • DALL-E 4 image generation
  • Custom GPT creation and access
  • Browse with Bing integration
  • Data analysis and file uploads

Free Plan Limits

Limit Free Plan Paid Plans
Messages ~10 messages per 5 hours
Models GPT-5.2 Instant only
File uploads Limited
Priority access No
Advanced features None

You'll Need to Upgrade When...

  • You exceed the user limit
  • You need features like Access to GPT-5.2 Thinking mode or 5x higher message limits than Free
  • You require premium support or SLA guarantees
  • You need to remove branding or watermarks
  • You need advanced integrations or API access

Hidden Restrictions on Free Plan

  • ! ChatGPT branding may appear on your content or communications
  • ! Support is limited to community forums or email with longer response times
  • ! Export options may be restricted or include watermarks
  • ! API access is typically limited or not available
  • ! Advanced reporting and analytics require paid plans

Free vs Paid: Which Do You Need?

Free Plan is Enough If...

  • You're an individual or very small team
  • You need only basic features
  • You don't mind usage limits
  • Branding on output is acceptable
  • Community support is sufficient

Free vs Plus Plan Comparison

Free $0
Features 5 included 8+ included
Support Community/Email Priority Support
Branding ChatGPT branding Your branding
Best For Casual users testing ChatGPT capabilities with light usage needs Individual power users who need consistent access to the latest models and features

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is ChatGPT free?

Yes, ChatGPT offers a freemium plan with 5 core features included. However, there are limits on messages, models that may require upgrading.

02 What's included in ChatGPT's free plan?

ChatGPT's free plan includes: Access to GPT-5.2 Instant, Basic text generation and conversation, Standard response speed, Access on web, iOS, and Android, Basic file uploads and analysis. Key limits include Messages: ~10 messages per 5 hours, Models: GPT-5.2 Instant only, File uploads: Limited.

03 What's NOT included in ChatGPT's free plan?

The free plan excludes: Access to GPT-5.2 Thinking mode, 5x higher message limits than Free, Priority access during peak times, Advanced Voice mode, DALL-E 4 image generation. You'll also have ChatGPT branding and limited support options.

04 When should I upgrade from ChatGPT's free plan?

Consider upgrading when: you hit user or storage limits, need features like Access to GPT-5.2 Thinking mode or 5x higher message limits than Free, require premium support, or want to remove branding. The cheapest paid plan starts at $20/user/month.

05 Is ChatGPT's free plan really free forever?

Yes, ChatGPT's free plan is available indefinitely with no time limit. However, feature and usage limits may restrict what you can do without upgrading to a paid plan.

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