Key Points
- ChatGPT Go costs $8 per month, about 60% less than the $20 Plus price.
- Go provides expanded access to ChatGPT‑5.2, higher image limits, and better memory than the free tier.
- The tier does not include Codex for coding or Sora for video generation.
- Ads will appear in the Free and Go tiers, currently rolling out in the United States.
- Casual users who don’t need Plus‑level tools can save $12 monthly by switching to Go.
- The trade‑off is accepting ads versus paying more for an ad‑free Plus experience.
Overview
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Go, a subscription tier that bridges the gap between the free version of ChatGPT and the premium Plus plan. The Go tier is now available globally, including the United States, and is positioned as a lightweight option for users who want more capability than the free tier without the full cost of Plus.
Pricing Comparison
ChatGPT Go costs $8 per month, while ChatGPT Plus remains at $20 per month and the higher‑end ChatGPT Pro is $200 per month. The Go price is roughly 60% cheaper than Plus, offering a $12 monthly saving that adds up to $144 over a year.
Feature Differences
The free tier limits users to a restricted version of ChatGPT‑5.2, tight caps on image generation, limited Deep Research access, fewer file uploads, and short‑term memory. Plus subscribers enjoy dramatically higher limits, access to multiple language models (including ChatGPT‑4o), extensive image generation, stronger memory, and additional tools such as Codex for coding and Sora for video generation.
ChatGPT Go provides a middle ground: users receive increased access to ChatGPT‑5.2, improved memory, higher image generation limits, more messages and uploads, and longer memory retention than the free tier. However, the Go tier does not include Codex or Sora.
Ads on the Go Tier
OpenAI has announced that ads will appear in the Free and Go tiers. The ads are currently rolling out in the United States and are described as relatively unobtrusive and contextually relevant to the conversation. This ad presence is the primary trade‑off for the lower price.
Verdict for Casual Users
For users who are not heavily utilizing Plus features such as large‑scale image generation, coding assistance, or video creation, the Go tier may meet all their needs while saving $12 each month. The decision hinges on whether users are comfortable with ads appearing in their chat experience. Those who prioritize an ad‑free environment may prefer to stay with Plus despite the higher cost.
Source: techradar.com