General AI chatbots
Grok: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Grok answers questions, searches the web and X, and analyzes files and images. It serves people who want to generate images and videos or speak with an assistant. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $8 per month. Access and transparency score: 66/100, #7 of 20 in its category.
| Access | 30/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 10/30 | |
| Trust | 26/40 |
What is Grok?
Grok answers questions, searches the web and X, and analyzes files and images. It serves people who want to generate images and videos or speak with an assistant.
According to its documentation, Grok lets you:
- answer questions in conversation
- search the web and X
- analyze files and images
- generate images and videos
- speak with the assistant
We file it under General AI chatbots, the category of tools to chat with a general-purpose AI, and it also overlaps with aI search engines and aI image generators. The category lists 20 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is SpaceXAI LLC, based in United States. The service launched in 2023, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: content writers, developers, social media managers, and students. The need it covers is simple to state: chat with a general-purpose AI.
Grok 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 Grok 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 (Plus from The X Subscription, including Grok; excluding taxes and any applicable fees), 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
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
No export feature is documented: keep a copy of your content elsewhere.
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
Grok runs on: web browser, iPhone and iPad, Android, and API.
The interface is available in 12 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 66/100 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 | 10/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 26/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Grok against other tools in the general AI chatbots category:
Verdict
Grok is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Cheaper than its category median
- Public API
- Established since 2023
- Available on many platforms
Limitations
- Data hosting not disclosed
- Data export not documented
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
- You need to easily retrieve your full history
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Grok free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $8 per month.
Where is Grok data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does Grok have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to Grok?
In the same category: Gemini, ChatGPT, LibreChat, and Claude.
Grok or Gemini: which one to choose?
Grok starts at $8 per month, Gemini at $4.99 per month and our score is 66/100 for Grok 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