ChatGPT vs Claude (October 2026)
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ChatGPT
OpenAI's assistant for writing, research, analysis, coding and image generation, with free, personal and business plans.
Visit ChatGPTClaude
Anthropic's assistant for writing, analysis and coding, with file creation and long documents; does not generate images.
Visit ClaudeVerdict. Both start at USD 20.00, so the plans and features below decide. ChatGPT confirms 3 of our 3 key features; Claude confirms 2.
Side by side
| Feature | ChatGPT | Claude |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Plus: USD 20 per month | Pro: USD 20 per month |
| Other plan or fee | Free | Free |
| Another plan or fee | — | Max: USD 100 per month (from) |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Image generation | Yes | No |
| Team or business plan | Yes | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 2 | 4 |
| Our score | 68/100 (#4 of 4) | 71/100 (#3 of 4) |
| Best for | Best free starting point | Best free starting point |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 240 | USD 204 (billed yearly) |
| Notes | Go, Pro and Business prices were not shown on OpenAI's pricing page when checked; Business needs at least 2 users | — |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: ChatGPT, Claude.
Which to choose
Choose ChatGPT if you need image generation.
Choose Claude if you prefer Claude's plans and features above.
See all options: best AI assistants.
More: ChatGPT pricing, ChatGPT alternatives, ChatGPT vs Google Gemini, ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot, Claude pricing, Claude alternatives, Claude vs Google Gemini, Claude vs Microsoft Copilot.