Updated July 2026 · prices change often
Every AI subscription, one honest comparison.
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, Grok, DeepSeek, MultipleChat AI and AI bundles compete for the same monthly budget. Compare free tiers, paid tiers, limits, alternatives and cancellation risk before you pay.
Use-case plan finder
Start with the job you actually do.
Most people overpay because they buy a famous plan before naming the work.
| Your main job | Start here | Why | Check before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday assistant | ChatGPT | Best default app, voice, images and broad consumer polish. | Whether a cheaper tier is enough. |
| Long writing and code | Claude | Strong drafts and careful reasoning over long material. | Whether Pro caps interrupt real work. |
| Cited research | Perplexity | Search-first answers with sources you can inspect. | Whether the free tier already covers you. |
| Google workflow | Gemini | Storage, Docs, Gmail, NotebookLM and video bundle. | Whether you value the bundle, not just the model. |
| Office workflow | Copilot | Best when Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are home base. | Whether Microsoft 365 is already part of your life. |
| Several tools at once | AI bundles | Can combine models, workflow tools, files, research or team features. | Whether the limits and included models match your work. |
Pick by need
If you only have ten minutes, start here.
All-in-one AI bundles
Useful when you pay for several tools or compare models often. Risky when the bundle hides lower caps or missing native-app features.
Prices and limits vary
Bundle exampleMultipleChat AI
One all-in-one AI workspace example with normal chat, side-by-side views and AI Collaboration. Compare it like any other paid plan.
General assistantChatGPT
The mainstream default for everyday help, voice, images, brainstorming and general productivity.
Writing & codingClaude
Strong choice for careful prose, long documents, code review and analysis.
Google bundleGemini
Best judged as a Google ecosystem plan: storage, Gmail, Docs, NotebookLM and media tools.
Office 365Microsoft Copilot
Most relevant for users already living in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams.
Answer enginePerplexity
Research-first AI with citations. The free tier is strong enough for many users.
X ecosystemGrok
Niche pick for heavy X users and real-time social context.
Free outlierDeepSeek
Useful free reasoning option, with trust and data-policy caveats for some users.
Master table
Plans, side by side.
| Service | Free tier | Entry paid plan | Top tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI bundles Category | Varies | Often $8-30/mo | Varies | People replacing several subscriptions or comparing models |
| MultipleChat AI Multi-model workspace | Check live plan | Check live plan | Teams / higher tiers vary | Normal AI chat, side-by-side model comparison and AI Collaboration |
| ChatGPT | Useful but capped | Go / Plus | Pro | General assistant and broad consumer features |
| Claude | Quality test, limited usage | Pro | Max | Writing, coding and long documents |
| Gemini | Google AI access | AI Plus / Pro | Ultra | Google ecosystem users |
| Copilot | Basic assistant | Pro / Microsoft 365 | Business tiers | Office workflows |
| Perplexity | Strong cited searches | Pro | Max | Research and source checking |
| Grok | Limited demo | SuperGrok | Heavy | X-native real-time context |
| DeepSeek | Strong free use | API usage | API usage | Free reasoning and cheap API tests |
Subscription math
What is your AI stack really costing?
Tick the tools you pay for, then compare against a hypothetical bundle or a simpler one-plan setup.
The bundle option
All-in-one AI bundles can make sense when two or more separate subscriptions overlap. Compare model access, usage caps, file limits, privacy terms and cancellation flow before switching.
Read AI bundle guideHigh-intent buyer guides
Specific subscription questions people actually search.
FAQ
Common price and usage questions.
Why do AI plans with the same price feel so different?
Because the useful difference is usually not the sticker price. It is the cap: messages, files, context, images, research jobs, priority access, team controls and included ecosystem features.
Where do I check exact usage limits?
Use dedicated limit guides for cap details: chatgptlimit.com, claudelimit.com, and geminilimit.com.
Should I subscribe through the app or web?
Compare both. App stores may simplify mobile billing but can change price and refund flow. Web checkout can be better for invoices and direct account management.
Connected guides
Go deeper across the AI subscription network.
FAQ
Common questions, short answers.
Which AI subscription should I buy first?
Buy by task: ChatGPT for general use, Claude for writing and code, Perplexity for research, Gemini or Copilot for ecosystem workflows, and AI bundles only when several subscriptions overlap.
Do I need more than one AI subscription?
Only if each plan removes a different bottleneck. If your second plan mostly exists to compare answers, inspect AI bundles or model comparison pages before paying twice.
Are the expensive Pro, Max and Ultra tiers worth it?
Only if lower tiers interrupt paid work. Start monthly, measure the limits, and upgrade only when the higher cap saves real time.