ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Overview

ChatGPT launched as a research preview in November 2022. It sparked the current AI boom. By August 2025, GPT-5 launched — OpenAI's most capable model yet, now on version GPT-5.1 as of March 2026.

Key Capabilities

• GPT-5: High-quality code generation, front-end UI creation with minimal prompting, improved personality and steerability
• Long chains of tool calls: Reliable multi-step agentic workflows
• DALL-E 3 integration: Image generation built in
• GPT Store: Custom GPTs for specific use cases
• Voice and vision: Real-time conversations and image analysis
• 73% cheaper inference: GPT-5 costs down 73% vs GPT-4 at launch

Pricing Plans

• Free: GPT-5.1 access (limited), DALL-E 3, browsing, analysis, voice
• Plus ($20/mo): GPT-5.1 access, unlimited GPT-5 usage, advanced voice, API credits included
• Pro ($200/mo): Unlimited GPT-5 usage, GPT-5 Pro with extended thinking for hardest problems
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, dedicated infrastructure, advanced security

Who It's For

Everyone. That's the point. ChatGPT has the broadest user base of any AI assistant — from casual users to enterprise teams. The Plus plan is the sweet spot for most professionals.

Honest Assessment

ChatGPT is the reference point. When people say "AI," they often mean ChatGPT. It's not always the most capable model (Claude Opus 4.6 beats it on some reasoning tasks), but it's reliable, fast, and has the broadest ecosystem. The brand advantage is real.

The GPT-5 price drop was significant — applications that weren't economically viable at GPT-4 prices are now profitable. That's a bigger story than most people realize.