How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 7 reasons why you should)
When ChatGPT was first unveiled in November 2022, it was free for all users. However, its quick surge in popularity caused extended wait times and blackout periods. As a result, OpenAI added its subscription plan, which helped users avoid the wait and access other convenient perks.
Also: ChatGPT vs ChatGPT Plus: Is it worth the subscription fee?
ChatGPT’s subscription plan is called ChatGPT Plus and costs $20/month. Since its introduction, the paid subscription model has offered different perks to subscribers, with the highlights now including priority access to new features and improvements, including OpenAI’s latest and greatest updates, such as 5x greater limits to GPT-4o, access to OpenAI o1-preview and o1-mini,Advanced Voice Mode, unlimited image generation, and more.
These features combined make ChatGPT Plus a must-subscribe for individuals who rely on ChatGPT for their daily workflow. If you’re not convinced, here are the seven most compelling reasons why a ChatGPT Plus subscription might be worth it.
1. You want to access to ChatGPT Search
In November, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Search, which lets users search the web directly within ChatGPT for timely, up-to-date information, complete with citations linked to sources. The tool can be called on manually or activated whenever a user prompt could benefit from web-based information.
Also: ChatGPT has officially replaced Google Search for me – here’s why
The biggest perk is that you can enter search queries that follow your natural train of thought instead of formulating carefully curated searches with keywords like you would on Google. ChatGPT Search will understand the meaning of your query by leveraging its natural language capabilities. This means you can spend less time crafting a tailored search query but still get exactly what you want.
Also: You can make ChatGPT your default search engine in Chrome. Here’s how
Of course, all of the responses keep the conversational tone of ChatGPT, making sure the answers are easy to understand and concise, helping you save time by not having to click into multiple articles and skim to find your answer. There is even an option to make ChatGPT your default search engine in Chrome. To unlock any of these ChatGPT Search perks. you need a ChatGPT Plus subscription.
2. You want to access the o1-preview
If you use ChatGPT for any use cases that could benefit from advanced reasoning, you’ll want to try the o1-preview model. Released in early September, the o1 family of models was trained to “think before they speak,” which produces higher-quality responses on complex prompts such as math and coding.
Also: How well can OpenAI’s o1-preview code? It aced my 4 tests – and showed its work
Free users do not have access to o1-preview, as it is limited to paying subscribers, including ChatGPT Team, ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, and, of course, ChatGPT Plus users. Upon launch, OpenAI shared that it plans to bring o1-preview to free users soon; so far, however, only some users have seen the model rolled out to them with limits under “Alpha Models” in the model toggle selector.
In September, with my free account, I had access to o1-mini through the Alpha Models option, but now I don’t have access anymore. Therefore, if you could really benefit from the model’s advanced capabilities, the best way to ensure access is via a subscription.
3. You want to access to GPT-4o with canvas
Since GPT-4o with canvas was rolled out to ChatGPT Plus subscribers, I have selected this feature nearly every time I use ChatGPT. When GPT-4o with canvas is selected from the model selector, a new interface that makes collaborating on writing and coding projects easier with ChatGPT opens.
Also: I’m a ChatGPT power user – and this new feature instantly made me more productive
The interface displays the edited project on the right side of the screen and keeps the initial prompt on the left, with a textbox available to ask additional questions. If you use ChatGPT as a co-editor for writing or coding projects, this interface helps significantly because you can keep track of the project and the edits, as every edit is automatically applied to the project.
Other perks, including shortcuts, help you transform your project with a click. For example, the writing shortcuts help users adjust lengths, change reading levels, add emojis, and “add final polish,” which checks for grammar, clarity, and consistency.
4. You need a greater GPT-4o message limit
After OpenAI supercharged the free version of its chatbot, the perks of subscription were less obvious. However, one of the biggest selling points of ChatGPT Plus is its greater GPT-4o message limit for users. Compared to free users, subscribers have a five times greater message limit, with Team and Enterprise users having even higher limits. GPT-4o is OpenAI’s most advanced model, so greater access could be useful, especially if you implement ChatGPT into your everyday workflow.
5. You want to experience Advanced Voice Mode first
One of the coolest features announced during OpenAI’s Spring Updates event was a new Voice Mode, which allows users to chat with ChatGPT via real-time video. As seen in the demo below, with the new Voice Mode, ChatGPT can respond to queries and continue the conversation, taking into account your surroundings:
Voice Mode includes other upgrades that make the chatbot a more conversational experience, including pausing when interrupted and voice variations. Voice Mode is available to all ChatGPT Plus and Team users and as a limited monthly preview for Free users in the iOS or Android mobile apps. This version is limited from what was originally seen in the demo above, only having features that allow it to be interrupted and respond to user emotions.
Also: How to use ChatGPT’s Voice Mode
OpenAI previously shared that “video and screen sharing capabilities will launch at a later date.” Still, if you want to try a smarter voice assistant ahead of everyone else, the subscription may be worth it.
6. You want to generate images using DALLE-3
When OpenAI first launched DALL-E 2, the text-to-image generator was available to the public for free with a credit allowance that was replenished every month. However, after launching its most advanced text-to-image model, DALL-E 3, the company discontinued access to DALL-E 2.
Also: How to use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT
That change means the only way to access DALL-E unlimitedly in an OpenAI offering is through a ChatGPT Plus subscription. With the Plus subscription, users can access DALL-E 3’s image-generating capabilities within the ChatGPT interface by simply entering a conversational prompt. Free users can also access generated images within ChatGPT, but with a daily limit of two generations per day, which is significantly less than other free generators on the market.
7. You want to create custom GPTs
OpenAI initially unveiled plugins to connect to ChatGPT third-party applications, including access to real-time information on the web and links to popular applications, such as Expedia, OpenTable, Kayak, and more. However, as of March 19, OpenAI stopped allowing users to install new plugins or start new conversations with existing ones, replacing these connections with custom GPTs.
Also: Want to try GPT-4o mini? 3 ways to access the smarter, cheaper AI model – and 2 are free
With custom GPTs, users can createnew chatbots that suit their purpose and browse the GPT Store, which has millions of custom chatbots for different tasks, including known applications, such as Canva, AllTrails, Code Tutor, and Adobe Express. With the free version, users can access the GPT Store. However, those users are unable to create their own chatbots, which is arguably the best way to optimize the chatbot for your own specific use case.
How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
If you want to expand how you use ChatGPT and experience all the chatbot has to offer, you have to create or sign in to your OpenAI account. Then, you can click the ‘Upgrade to Plus’ button, select ChatGPT Plus, and complete the transaction.
FAQs
Yes, the free version is still available to the public. With the free plan, you get full access to the chatbot. The disadvantages of the free plan are that you won’t have access to the latest updates, such as ChatGPT’s Voice Mode.
ChatGPT Plus membership is currently priced at $20/month. Although this might seem steep, it is comparable to similar subscriptions such as Copilot Pro, which is also $20/month.
After OpenAI unveiled new features for ChatGPT Plus on DevDay, there was a surge in subscribers, which triggered a pause in ChatGPT Plus signups. However, OpenAI reopened signups and now you can proceed as usual.
The biggest perks of a ChatGPT Plus membership include priority access to the latest upgrades, such as GPT-4o and the new Voice Mode.
The answer to this question depends on your personal use case. However, ZDNET experts have tested the tool and found the subscription fee is worth the cost because ChatGPT Plus is smarter, more accurate, more reliable, and it gets new features first.
