ChatGPT Available Models: All Supported Models, Version Differences, Capabilities Comparison, And Access Requirements
- Michele Stefanelli
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read

ChatGPT offers a range of large language models designed for diverse user needs, with each model and mode targeting different balances of speed, reasoning, tool compatibility, and subscription requirements. Model access is determined by plan level, workspace settings, and user preferences for legacy or reasoning capabilities.
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ChatGPT Supports Multiple Models, Including The Latest, Legacy, And Reasoning Variants.
The current ChatGPT lineup centers on the GPT-5.2 family, presented in selectable modes that allow users to prioritize speed, depth, or research-grade performance. Alongside GPT-5.2, users on paid tiers may access earlier GPT models and OpenAI’s specialized o-series reasoning models, each with its own toolset and context window.
Legacy models like GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.5 are made available for paid users through the “Show additional models” setting or workspace-level enablement, ensuring backward compatibility and specialty use cases.
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ChatGPT Supported Model Lineup
Model Or Mode | Description | Typical Access |
GPT-5.2 Instant | Fast, default mode | Free and all paid plans |
GPT-5.2 Thinking | Deeper reasoning, large context | Free (capped), expanded on paid |
GPT-5.2 Pro | Research-grade, tool-limited | Pro, Business, Enterprise, Edu |
GPT-5 Thinking mini | Quick reasoning variant | Paid or workspace-enabled |
GPT-4o | General-purpose legacy | Paid, under Legacy Models |
GPT-4.1 | Coding and precision tasks | Paid, additional/legacy |
GPT-4.5 | High-end legacy, restricted | Pro, Enterprise |
OpenAI o3 | Frontier reasoning, 200K context | Paid, tier-based access |
OpenAI o4-mini | Fast reasoning, 200K context | Paid, often unlimited |
OpenAI o3 pro | Enterprise-only reasoning | Enterprise |
Model visibility may require settings changes or workspace admin enablement.
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Version Differences Reflect Speed, Reasoning Depth, And Tool Compatibility.
GPT-5.2 modes include Instant for quick responses, Thinking for complex multi-step reasoning, and Pro for the most consistent, high-quality outputs. Each mode is tuned for different user scenarios, with Pro designed for research-level quality and more restrictive tool support.
Legacy GPT-4 models remain popular for users needing familiar behavior, coding precision, or continuity for established workflows. The o-series models are engineered specifically for advanced reasoning, featuring extra-large context windows and high output limits for extended problem solving.
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ChatGPT Version And Mode Differences
Mode | Speed | Reasoning Depth | Tool Support | Output Focus |
Instant | Fastest | Standard | Full | Everyday tasks |
Thinking | Slower | Deepest | Full | Complex analysis |
Pro | Slowest | Deepest | Partial | Research-grade |
Legacy (4o/4.1/4.5) | Variable | Variable | Full | Coding, legacy, custom |
o3/o4-mini | High | High | Reasoning | Structured, stepwise |
Mode selection controls tradeoffs in output speed and complexity.
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Capabilities Vary By Model, Emphasizing Reasoning, Coding, Or Versatility.
GPT-5.2 models are designed for everyday work, creativity, and analysis, supporting the full suite of ChatGPT tools except where noted for Pro mode. GPT-4.1 is favored for coding and precise instruction-following, while GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 offer legacy performance profiles for users needing continuity or specialty features.
OpenAI’s o3 and o4-mini are distinct for their large context windows (200K tokens) and support for lengthy, structured outputs or complex reasoning chains. These models are best for users requiring step-by-step problem-solving or handling very large documents.
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ChatGPT Model Capability Comparison
Model | Best Use Cases | Context Window | Output Limit |
GPT-5.2 | General chat, writing, analysis | 16K–196K | Standard |
GPT-5.2 Thinking | Deep reasoning, analysis | Up to 196K | Standard |
GPT-5.2 Pro | Research, reliability | 128K+ | Partial tool support |
GPT-4.1 | Coding, instruction | 32K+ | Standard |
GPT-4o/4.5 | Versatile, legacy | Variable | Standard |
o3, o4-mini | Advanced reasoning | 200K | Up to 100K tokens |
Capabilities are tailored to plan, task, and context requirements.
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Access Requirements Are Determined By Plan And Workspace Administration.
Free users receive access to GPT-5.2 Instant and Thinking (with message caps), while paid tiers expand model choices, raise usage limits, and enable legacy and reasoning options. Plus and Pro plans unlock additional models and unlimited reasoning access for o4-mini, with Pro further expanding to GPT-5.2 Pro and GPT-4.5.
Business and Enterprise workspaces provide administrative controls to enable or restrict specific models, allowing organizations to standardize toolsets and manage cost or compliance. Some advanced models, such as OpenAI o3 pro, are exclusive to Enterprise.
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ChatGPT Model Access By Plan
Plan | Model Access Highlights |
Free | GPT-5.2 Instant/Thinking (limited) |
Plus | More Thinking, GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o3/o4-mini |
Pro | GPT-5.2 Pro, GPT-4.5, o3/o4-mini unlimited |
Business | Admin-enabled access to all variants |
Enterprise | Flexible, includes o3 pro |
Subscription and admin controls determine available models and modes.
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ChatGPT Model Portfolio Offers Speed, Depth, And Specialty Options Tailored To User Needs.
ChatGPT’s evolving model lineup supports a wide range of user goals, from everyday chat to deep analysis and coding. Access is governed by plan and workspace settings, with legacy and reasoning models expanding the platform’s flexibility for advanced or large-scale tasks.
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