ChatGPT
OpenAI
The most famous AI assistant — broad, capable, huge ecosystem
In short
ChatGPT, by OpenAI, is the product that made AI mainstream — chat, writing, images and file analysis, with the largest ecosystem. There's a free tier; Plus is ~$20/mo.
What it is
The product that made AI mainstream — chat, writing, images, file analysis. Capable and well-supported.
Pros
- Broadly capable
- Rich ecosystem
- Frequent updates
Cons
- Best features behind paywall
- Access varies by region
Best for
Users wanting the mainstream standard
Related guides
How to Use ChatGPT for Coding (Beginner's Guide)
A beginner's guide to coding with ChatGPT: how to ask for code that works, paste errors to get fixes, learn as you go, and when to switch to a tool like Cursor.
How to Use AI to Write Better Emails (faster)
Write clearer, faster emails with AI. Get prompts for replies, cold outreach, tough messages, and tone fixes, plus how to keep your own voice.
How to Use ChatGPT for Excel & Google Sheets Formulas
Stop fighting spreadsheet formulas. Get ChatGPT to write Excel and Google Sheets formulas, explain errors, and build them step by step, with copy-paste prompts.
FAQ
Can I use ChatGPT in mainland China?
Direct access from mainland China is restricted — you need a VPN, and a non-China phone/payment to register or upgrade. For Chinese chat and writing, DeepSeek or Doubao are easier.
Is ChatGPT free?
There's a usable free tier; stronger models and higher limits come with Plus (~$20/mo). The free tier covers most everyday needs.
ChatGPT vs DeepSeek?
ChatGPT has the biggest ecosystem and full multimodal; DeepSeek is free, China-accessible and strong in Chinese. Choose ChatGPT if you have a VPN and want the standard, otherwise DeepSeek.