Side-by-side comparison

ChatGPT vs Gemini

Plans, free tiers and API access for ChatGPT and Gemini, from each vendor's own pages. Last checked Oct 4, 2026.

ChatGPTAssistant

GeminiAssistant

The short answer

Gemini has the lower entry price at $4.99/mo, against $20/mo for ChatGPT.
Both ChatGPT and Gemini have an ongoing free plan.
On LiveBench (2026-06-25), ChatGPT's best model (GPT-6 Astra Max Effort) scores 82.2 against 78.8 for Gemini's best (Gemini 3.7 Flash High).

Pricing and features

ChatGPTGemini

Starting price

$20/mo

$4.99/mo

Paid plans

Plus$20/mo

Google AI Plus$4.99/mo
Google AI Pro$19.99/mo
Google AI Ultra$99.99/mo

Free plan

Free planFree tier with limited messages and models

Free planFree with a Google Account: Gemini app, Deep Research and image generation with usage limits

API access

API availableOpenAI API billed separately from ChatGPT plans

API availableGemini API is billed separately through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI

Best for

Individuals and teams who want a general-purpose assistant in browser and mobile apps, from quick questions to longer writing and analysis workflows.

People already in Google accounts who want one assistant with optional paid usage tiers and bundled storage.

Watch out for

All plans carry usage limits that can tighten at peak demand; Plus/Go limits differ by model and feature. API access, rate limits, and data handling follow separate OpenAI API terms.

Free-tier limits and model access change often. Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra are billed monthly in USD; prices can differ by region.

How to choose

ChatGPT has a single paid step: Plus at $20 per month, with a free tier that limits messages and models. Gemini spreads its paid options across more levels, all billed monthly: Google AI Plus at $4.99, Google AI Pro at $19.99 and Google AI Ultra at $99.99. Gemini's free tier, available with a Google Account, covers the Gemini app, Deep Research and image generation within usage limits. Gemini's fit leans toward people already inside Google accounts who may want bundled storage. ChatGPT is pitched as a general-purpose assistant on web and mobile for individuals and teams. Developer access is separate on both sides: the OpenAI API is billed apart from ChatGPT plans, and the Gemini API is pay as you go through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.

ChatGPT: You want one straightforward paid plan at $20 per month and a general-purpose assistant for writing, questions and analysis on web and mobile.
Gemini: You already use a Google Account and want a lower entry paid tier at $4.99 per month, or storage bundled into the subscription.
Either: You only need occasional help and are happy to stay on a free tier with usage limits before deciding whether to pay.

Reviewed Oct 5, 2026. Prices and plans can change, so confirm on the vendor's site.

LiveBench results

Best-scoring model per vendor in the 2026-06-25 LiveBench release (14 OpenAI and 6 Google configurations). Scores are out of 100.

GPT-6 Astra Max EffortGemini 3.7 Flash High

Overall

82.2

78.8

Reasoning

92.7

87.8

Coding

80.4

78.9

Agentic Coding

57.3

58.3

Mathematics

96.8

93.5

Data Analysis

83.0

68.0

Language

89.4

85.5

Instruction Following

75.6

79.9

Cost per successful task

$0.736

$0.157

Source: LiveBench, imported Oct 5, 2026. Explore every model.

Common questions

Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or Gemini?

Gemini has the lower starting price ($4.99/mo versus $20/mo). Compare plans before choosing, since limits differ.

Is ChatGPT free?

Free plan. Free tier with limited messages and models

Is Gemini free?

Free plan. Free with a Google Account: Gemini app, Deep Research and image generation with usage limits

Which scores higher on benchmarks, ChatGPT or Gemini?

In the 2026-06-25 LiveBench release, GPT-6 Astra Max Effort scores 82.2 and Gemini 3.7 Flash High scores 78.8 overall. Scores measure the benchmark, not your own workload.

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