General AI chatbots
ChatGPT: review, pricing, data and alternatives
ChatGPT helps people write texts, search for information, and analyze files and tables. It also supports image creation and editing, voice conversations, explanations of concepts, and study revision. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $8 per month. Access and transparency score: 83/100, #2 of 20 in its category.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT helps people write texts, search for information, and analyze files and tables. It also supports image creation and editing, voice conversations, explanations of concepts, and study revision.
According to its documentation, ChatGPT lets you:
- write and improve texts
- search for information on the Web
- analyze files and tables
- create and edit images
- have voice conversations
- explain concepts and support study revision
We file it under General AI chatbots, the category of tools to chat with a general-purpose AI, and it also overlaps with aI image generators and spreadsheets and data analysis. The category lists 20 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is OpenAI OpCo, LLC, based in United States. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: content writers, developers, students, and data analysts. The need it covers is simple to state: chat with a general-purpose AI.
ChatGPT is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you also work from your phone
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does ChatGPT cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $8 per month (Go, billed monthly; US pricing, varies by country. API billed separately), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is cheaper than the category median ($9.5 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
ChatGPT runs on: web browser, Windows, macOS, iPhone and iPad, and Android.
The interface is available in 60 languages.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 83/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 30/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 33/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
ChatGPT against other tools in the general AI chatbots category:
Verdict
ChatGPT is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Cheaper than its category median
- Public API
- Established since 2022
- Available on many platforms
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is ChatGPT free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $8 per month.
Where is ChatGPT data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does ChatGPT have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to ChatGPT?
In the same category: Gemini, LibreChat, Claude, and Mistral Vibe.
ChatGPT or Gemini: which one to choose?
ChatGPT starts at $8 per month, Gemini at $4.99 per month and our score is 83/100 for ChatGPT and 85/100 for Gemini. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score