Z.ai: Zhipu's assistant built on GLM models
Z.ai is the AI chat and agent from Zhipu, the Chinese lab behind the GLM models, available at chat.z.ai. It presents itself as an assistant that builds websites, writes code and handles long, multi-step tasks.
Data as of October 22, 2026
Key figures
| Developer | Z.ai (Zhipu AI) |
|---|---|
| Country | China |
| Launched | Not disclosed |
| Free version | Not disclosed |
| Plans | from $18 per month |
| Official website | chat.z.ai |
Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Web search | Not disclosed |
| Agent mode | Yes |
| File upload | Not disclosed |
| Image generation | Not disclosed |
| Voice mode | Not disclosed |
| Memory | Not disclosed |
| Code execution | Not disclosed |
| Autonomous browsing | Not disclosed |
Where to use it
| Where to use it | |
|---|---|
| Web | Yes |
| iPhone | Not disclosed |
| Android | Not disclosed |
| Windows | Not disclosed |
| macOS | Not disclosed |
| Browser extension | Not disclosed |
| French interface | Not disclosed |
| Spanish interface | Not disclosed |
Privacy
| Privacy | |
|---|---|
| Opt out of training on your chats | Not disclosed |
| Temporary chat | Not disclosed |
| EU data residency | No |
What chat.z.ai offers
Z.ai is the international brand of Zhipu, which develops the GLM family of large language models. On chat.z.ai, the company describes an « advanced AI chatbot and agent » powered by GLM-5.3-Flash. In practice, you can ask it to build a website, write code, produce slides or carry out long, multi-step tasks, much like an AI agent.
Z.ai also plugs into messaging apps: Discord, Lark and WeChat are among the listed integrations. GLM-5.3, introduced in August 2026, is slated for release as open weights, which means it can also be used outside Zhipu’s own interface.
Free use and the Coding Plan: what is confirmed
As of October 22, 2026, the official pages we checked do not show a subscription for the chat itself, and the subscription page could not be read. We therefore cannot describe the limits of free use.
The clearly documented paid offer is the GLM Coding Plan: a developer subscription « starting at $18 per month », with Lite, Pro and Max tiers. It lets you use GLM-5.3 and GLM-5.3-Flash inside agentic coding tools such as ZCode or Claude Code. It is not designed for someone who simply wants to chat with an AI.
Data, availability in Europe and limits
The privacy policy names JINGSHENG HENGXING TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD., in Singapore, as data controller, and data is generally processed there. Model training relies on legitimate interest, with no opt-out button described, although you can delete your chat history. The service is reachable from Europe, but no EU data hosting option is mentioned.
In practice, Z.ai is a good sandbox for GLM models, best kept for non-sensitive content. If you want an assistant with clearer pricing and privacy documentation, see the AI assistants comparison. Technical details of the developer plan are in the official documentation.
Models used
Strengths
coding · acting on your behalf · teamwork
AI assistants
- Alexa+ · Amazon
- Apple Intelligence et Siri AI · Apple
- ChatGPT · OpenAI
- Claude · Anthropic
- Comet · Perplexity
- Microsoft Copilot · Microsoft
Frequently asked questions
Which model does Z.ai use?
The homepage says the chat is powered by GLM-5.3-Flash. The GLM Coding Plan, aimed at developers, includes GLM-5.3 and GLM-5.3-Flash.
How much does Z.ai cost?
No subscription for the chat itself appears on the official pages checked on October 22, 2026. The GLM Coding Plan, built for coding tools, starts at $18 a month with Lite, Pro and Max tiers.
Where is my data processed?
According to the privacy policy, the data controller is a Singapore company and data is generally processed in Singapore. Model training is covered by legitimate interest, and no opt-out toggle is described.
Can teenagers use Z.ai?
Not without parental consent: the privacy policy states the services are not intended for users under 18 without their parents' permission.
Data sources
Data as of October 22, 2026
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