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How (and why) to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus

OpenAI keeps unveiling new features and rolling them out to its Plus plan subscribers. Here's what you can get with a subscription.
Written by Sabrina Ortiz, Associate Editor on
ChatGPT Plus
Getty Images/NurPhoto

When ChatGPT was unveiled in November, it was free for all to use. Its quick surge in popularity, however, sometimes caused extended wait times for users. As a result, OpenAI added a subscription plan that would help some users avoid the wait and access other convenient perks. 

Also: Bard vs. ChatGPT: Can Bard help you code?

ChatGPT's subscription plan is called ChatGPT Plus, and it costs $20/month. The paid subscription model guarantees users general access even during peak times when the free version is at capacity, and faster response times. 

Plus plan subscribers also get priority access to new features and improvements, including OpenAI's latest and greatest updates such as GPT-4, available to Plus subscribers now, and ChatGPT plugins, which will prioritize Plus users upon roll out. 

How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus

If you are looking to expand your ChatGPT usage and experience all the chatbot has to offer, here's how you can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus. 

1. Create or sign into your OpenAI account

Visit ChatGPT's login page. Once you are there, you can either log onto your account or create a new one. To create a new account you can either use your email, Google account or Microsoft account. 

Also: The best AI chatbots to try 

Log in to ChatGPT

If you haven't created an account, click on Sign Up. Otherwise, log in with your OpenAI credentials.

Screenshot: Maria Diaz/ZDNET

2. Click on the 'Upgrade to Plus' button

Once you have logged into your account, you will be brought to the chatbot's main page where you would typically start chatting away. Instead, turn your attention to the right hand bar and locate where it says "Upgrade to Plus." Once you find the button, click on it and it will bring you to the next step. 

Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus
Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

3. Click "Upgrade Plan" on pop-up

After you click on the "Upgrade to Plus" button, a pop-up will appear, double-checking whether you wish to continue. If you are still ready to take the plunge after seeing the difference between the free and Plus plans' prices and features, click on the green "Upgrade plan" button. 

ChatGPT Plus
Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

4. Complete purchase

After confirming, you will brought to a checkout page to compete your purchase. This page requires all the typical information a normal checkout would including your email, payment information and billing address.

ChatGPT Plus Checkout
Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

FAQ

Can I still use ChatGPT for free?

Yes, the free version is still available for the public. With the free plan, you still get full access to the chatbot. The disadvantages of the free plan are that you won't be able to access the bot during periods of high demand and won't have access to the latest updates such as GPT-4. 

How much is ChatGPT Plus membership?

The ChatGPT Plus membership is currently priced at $20/month. Although this amount may seem steep, it is still half of the the cost early access user's paid at $42/month. The original price was revealed when an early access user, shared a video on Twitter showing the cost for his Plus subscription. 

What are the advantages of a ChatGPT Plus membership?

The biggest perks of a ChatGPT Plus membership include priority access to the latest upgrades such as GPT-4 and ChatGPT plugins, bypassing wait times and quicker response rates. 

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