NowComparison
ChatGPT vs Claude
ChatGPT (from OpenAI) and Claude (from Anthropic) are two of the most widely used AI assistants. Both can draft, rewrite, summarize and answer questions, and both have free plans. This page compares what each vendor publishes about plans, prices, limits and data, so you can decide which to try first. We haven't run a formal head-to-head test; the best test is your own work on both free tiers.
At a glance
| ChatGPT | Claude | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, $0 | Yes, $0 |
| Lowest paid plan | Go: $8/month in the U.S. (may include ads) | Pro: $20/month, or $17/month billed annually |
| Main individual plan | Plus: $20/month | Pro: $20/month, or $17/month billed annually |
| Top individual plans | Pro: $100, $200 or $500/month | Max: $100/month; Ultra: $200/month |
| Annual billing for individuals | Not offered for Go, Plus or Pro, per OpenAI's help center | Offered for Pro ($200 billed up front) |
| How limits work | Free and Go list unlimited everyday text chats (with abuse guardrails); other features have plan limits | Usage limits on every plan that reset every 5 hours and every week |
| Training on your chats | OpenAI may use conversations to improve models; you can opt out in Data Controls | Pricing page lists model training as "opt-out" on individual plans, "none by default" on Team |
| Education options | ChatGPT for Teachers (free for verified U.S. K-12 educators for a set period); ChatGPT Edu for universities | Education plan listed on the pricing page (contact Anthropic for details) |
As of Nov 2026, from the vendor's own pricing page. Check the current price before you buy. Sources: chatgpt.com/pricing, OpenAI help: ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Learn pricing, claude.com/pricing.
Where ChatGPT may fit better
- You want a cheap paid step up: Go is listed at $8/month in the U.S.
- You want a wide set of built-in tools in one app, such as image creation, voice and data analysis, which OpenAI lists across its plans.
- You're a verified U.S. K-12 teacher and want to try ChatGPT for Teachers at no cost.
Where Claude may fit better
- You want to pay annually for a lower monthly rate ($17/month on Pro).
- You work with long documents: Anthropic lists a context window of up to 1 million tokens, varying by model.
- You'd rather see training listed plainly as an opt-out on the pricing page.
How to decide in 20 minutes
- Sign in to both free plans.
- Give both the same two tasks from your real week, minus any private details.
- Ask each for one revision ("shorter," "friendlier," "add next steps").
- Keep the one whose drafts you edited least. If it's a tie, pick on price and data terms.
Both tools can state wrong facts confidently, so check names, numbers and sources before you send anything. For more on choosing, read How to choose an AI writing tool, or see our full writing shortlist.
Last checked November 3, 2026.