CHATGPT PLUS VS FREE, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

01 August 2025

Since its launch, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has become a widely used and recognised AI tool, popular across a range of tasks from drafting content to assisting with coding. With both a free tier and a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription available, many users have now found themselves asking: Is it worth paying for ChatGPT Plus or does the free version offer enough for most needs?

Model differences identified

Feature	ChatGPT Free	ChatGPT Plus (£20/month)
Model access	Access to GPT‑4o (limited use, fallback to GPT‑3.5 after usage cap)	Full access to GPT‑4o with significantly higher usage limits
Custom GPTs	Cannot create or use Custom GPTs	Full access to create, explore, and use Custom GPTs tailored to specific tasks
Web browsing	No access to real-time browsing tools	Includes web-browsing capabilities for up-to-date information and research
Plugins	Not available	Access to a wide range of third-party plugins for enhanced functionality (e.g. travel, shopping, file handling)
Advanced data analysis (formerly Code Interpreter)	Limited or unavailable	Full access to run Python code for calculations, data visualisation, file uploads (e.g. CSV, Excel), and more
Image generation (DALL·E 3)	Restricted to a few images per day	Unlimited high-quality image generation using DALL·E 3
Image editing (inpainting)	Not available	Ability to edit images using AI (e.g. remove objects, change background)
Video generation (Sora)	Not available	Access to OpenAI’s video generation model (currently in early rollout stages)
File uploads	Limited file support	Upload and interact with various file types (e.g. PDFs, spreadsheets) for deeper analysis
Memory feature	Gradual rollout; limited availability	Access to memory that allows the AI to remember preferences and context over time
Agent mode (macOS only)	Not available	Early access to ChatGPT’s Agent Mode on macOS, including voice recording, task planning, and more autonomous behaviours
Deep research	5 lightweight queries/month	10 full-depth queries + 15 lightweight queries/month for AI-led web research and source-backed reporting
Usage caps	Strict daily or session-based limits	Significantly expanded usage caps to accommodate professional and intensive use
Early access to new features	Limited or delayed	First access to new capabilities and experimental tools released by OpenAI
Best For	Casual users, students, occasional tasks	Professionals, creatives, researchers, and power users seeking advanced tools and reliable performance

A personal call to make

When Free Is Enough:

Casual use (occasional queries, fun exploration)

Students or individuals on a budget

One-off tasks like writing emails, creating outlines, or looking up information

When plus is worth it

Regular or professional use (writers, marketers, developers, analysts)

Need for reliable access and advanced tools

Ongoing projects that benefit from memory and speed

Already on Plus? Here’s what you need to know about the new Agent Mode feature

If you're already a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, a newer feature called Agent Mode (launched July 2025) is worth exploring.

Unlike traditional ChatGPT, which gives you text-based responses, Agent Mode can actually carry out multi-step tasks on your behalf. It can browse the web, fill out forms, analyse data, create documents, navigate web apps, and more, essentially acting like a digital assistant.

Think of it as the difference between getting advice and having someone do the task for you.

What It’s Good At:

Research-heavy admin tasks (e.g. gathering data, building spreadsheets)

Compiling reports, summaries, and travel itineraries

Automating repetitive workflows like CRM updates or presentation creation

Creating structured content using multiple sources

Access and limits

Plus users get 40 agent messages per month

Pro users get 400 messages

Free users don’t have access at all

Whether you're just getting started with AI or considering upgrading to ChatGPT Plus, the key to making the most of these tools lies in understanding how to use them effectively.

Sign up to attend our FREE in-person AI training sessions, designed to help you get hands-on experience, discover practical use cases, and build confidence with using AI tools.

The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult OpenAI’s official website for the most up-to-date details. This article does not constitute an endorsement or formal partnership with OpenAI. All product names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.