When ChatGPT was unveiled last November, it was free for all to use. Its quick surge in popularity, however, sometimes caused extended wait times for users. As a result, OpenAI added a subscription plan that would help some users avoid the wait and provide access to other convenient perks.
Also: ChatGPT got its biggest update yet, including a new look
ChatGPT’s subscription plan is called ChatGPT Plus, and it costs $20/month. The paid subscription model guarantees users general access even during peak times when the free version is at capacity, and offers faster response times.
Plus plan subscribers also get priority access to new features and improvements, including OpenAI’s latest and greatest updates, such as GPT-4, ChatGPT plugins, the ability to create custom chatbots, DALL-E 3’s image generation, access to the internet, and more.
We’ve tried Plus — and we believe if you’re looking for accurate written answers to your questions, this paid-for service is much better than the free version, GPT-3.5.
Also: Here’s how to create your own custom chatbots using ChatGPT
GPT-4 can still make blunders, often referred to as “hallucinations”. However, OpenAI describes GPT-4 as “10 times more advanced than its predecessor, GPT-3.5”, and ZDNET’s Steven Vaughan-Nichols thinks these advances mean Plus is worth the subscription fee.
Note: If you are ready to take the plunge and invest in ChatGPT, it might not be as easy as hitting subscribe. After OpenAI announced the latest ChatGPT features at its DevDay event, such as the ability to create customer GPTs, the demand for ChatGPT Plus surged so much that OpenAI had to pause signups. However, if you are still interested, you can sign up to be notified when subscriptions reopen. Once notified, you can follow the steps below to subscribe.
How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
If you are looking to expand your ChatGPT use and experience all the chatbot has to offer, here’s how you can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus.
Visit ChatGPT’s login page. Once you are there, you can either log on to your free account or create a new one. To create a new account, you can either use your email, Google account, or Microsoft account.
Once you have logged in to your account, you will be brought to the chatbot’s main page, where you would typically start chatting away.
Also: The best AI chatbots to try
Instead, turn your attention to the right-hand bar and locate where it says “Upgrade to Plus”. Once you find the button, click on it, and it will take you to the next step.
After you click on the “Upgrade to Plus” button, a popup will appear, double-checking whether you wish to continue.
Also: What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here’s what you need to know
If you are still ready to take the plunge after seeing the difference between the free and Plus plans’ prices and features, click on the green “Upgrade plan” button.
After confirming, you will be sent to a checkout page to compete your purchase. This page requires all the typical information of a normal online purchase, including your email, payment information, and billing address.
FAQs
Can I still use ChatGPT for free?
Yes, the free version is still available to the public. With the free plan, you still get full access to the chatbot. The disadvantages of the free plan are that you won’t be able to access the bot during periods of high demand and won’t have access to the latest updates, such as GPT-4.
How much is ChatGPT Plus membership?
The ChatGPT Plus membership is currently priced at $20/month. Although this might seem steep, it is still half the cost that early access users paid at $42/month.
Also: How does ChatGPT work?
The original price was revealed when an early access user shared a video on Twitter, which showed the cost of the Plus subscription.
Is there a waitlist for ChatGPT Plus?
After OpenAI unveiled new features for ChatGPT Plus on DevDay, there was a surge in subscribers, which triggered a pause in ChatGPT Plus signups. As a result, users can sign up to be notified when the subscriptions reopen.
What are the advantages of a ChatGPT Plus membership?
The biggest perks of a ChatGPT Plus membership include priority access to the latest upgrades, such as GPT-4, ChatGPT plugins, the ability to create custom chatbots, use of DALL-E 3’s image generation, access to the internet, bypassing wait times, and quicker response rates.
Is ChatGPT Plus worth it?
The answer to this question depends on your own personal use case. However, ZDNET experts have tested the tool and found the subscription fee is worth it because ChatGPT is smarter and more accurate.