How to Use ChatGPT for Free and What the Current Free Plan Includes
- Graziano Stefanelli
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
ChatGPT can be accessed at no cost through the official web, mobile, and desktop apps. The Free plan provides access to modern models, browsing, file uploads, and image generation, though with defined limits on usage. In 2025, OpenAI has broadened what free accounts can do while reserving higher throughput and creation tools for paid plans.
Where ChatGPT is free to use.
The Free plan covers multiple platforms, ensuring that users can maintain their chat history and capabilities across devices.
Web app: Available at chatgpt.com, where users sign in with an OpenAI account. The web interface is often the first to receive new features, such as web search and file handling.
Mobile apps: Official iOS and Android apps include the same model access as the web, plus voice interactions. These apps are free to download and allow conversations on the go.
Desktop apps: A native macOS app for Apple Silicon and a Windows version provide integrated system access. Desktop apps are free to install, though corporate policies may restrict use.
Platform | Access method | Free features included |
Web | Browsing, file upload, image generation | |
iOS/Android | Official apps | Voice, image/file upload, browsing |
macOS/Windows | Native apps | Sync history, local integration |
The models available on the Free plan.
Free users have access to GPT-4o-level intelligence for everyday chat. This model supports multimodal interactions, allowing both text and image input, and it powers the majority of free queries. In addition, the Free plan grants a limited number of GPT-5 Thinking messages per day, typically one, so that free accounts can experiment with deeper reasoning.
When free users hit daily or monthly caps, ChatGPT may automatically switch to a lighter mini model until limits reset. This ensures continued access but at reduced performance.
The tools and features unlocked for free.
The Free plan now includes a wider toolset than in earlier versions:
Web browsing: Free users can toggle web search to receive answers with citations from current online sources.
Data analysis: CSV and Excel files can be uploaded for exploration, chart creation, and data insights.
Image and file uploads: Images and PDFs can be attached to prompts for analysis, summarization, or translation.
Image generation: Free accounts can create AI-generated images, powered by OpenAI’s image model.
Projects: Users can group files, instructions, and chats together for more structured work.
GPT Store access: Free accounts can use many custom GPTs created by others, though they cannot build new ones themselves.
Feature | Free plan availability |
Web browsing | ✔ |
Data analysis | ✔ |
File/image upload | ✔ |
Image generation | ✔ |
Projects | ✔ |
GPT Store (use only) | ✔ |
GPT creation | ✘ |
Usage limits that apply to free accounts.
Even though the Free plan includes a broad set of features, limits are enforced to maintain performance.
Message caps: Free accounts have a capped number of GPT-4o queries per day. When the cap is reached, conversations may shift to the lighter mini model until reset.
Thinking time: Free accounts get one GPT-5 Thinking message per day for experimentation with extended reasoning.
Rate limits: Requests per minute are lower for Free users compared to paid plans, occasionally requiring a wait.
These restrictions mean the Free plan is well-suited for personal use, but limited for sustained professional or academic workloads.
What free accounts cannot do.
Certain functions remain exclusive to paid tiers:
Creating GPTs: The GPT Builder requires Plus, Pro, or Team/Enterprise plans. Free accounts may browse and use existing GPTs but cannot publish new ones.
High throughput and large files: Upload size and processing limits are higher in paid plans.
Consistent use of the latest models: While Free includes GPT-4o and limited GPT-5, more advanced reasoning and availability are tied to Plus or higher.
Trial and education routes to extended access.
There are additional ways to experience higher tiers of ChatGPT without cost:
Plus trials: Some accounts receive invite-based trials for Plus, typically one month, requiring a payment method but cancellable before billing.
ChatGPT Edu: Universities can deploy ChatGPT Edu at scale, granting students access to advanced features within campus systems. Institutions must apply to enable this plan.
Researcher credits: Approved researchers may apply for up to $1,000 in API credits under OpenAI’s Researcher Access Program, which is separate from ChatGPT web/app.
API access and the free tier.
The OpenAI API is distinct from the ChatGPT Free plan. There is no universal free allowance for new API accounts; usage is billed per token. However, OpenAI offers free quotas under specific programs such as research grants. Developers wanting free experimentation with ChatGPT-like behavior can explore limited third-party gateways or sign up for special credits when available.
Practical ways to maximize the Free plan.
Use web browsing sparingly: Since caps exist, reserve browsing mode for time-sensitive queries.
Plan GPT-5 Thinking use: Save the daily extended reasoning message for your most complex question.
Leverage Projects: Group files and instructions into Projects to get the most from free file uploads.
Explore the GPT Store: Many task-specific GPTs can be used free, reducing the need to build your own.
Consider mobile for voice: The mobile apps add free voice input, expanding how you interact with ChatGPT.
Free vs paid in practice.
While the Free plan is capable of answering most casual queries, summarizing documents, and generating images, paid plans deliver higher consistency, speed, and advanced customization. Free access is best seen as an entry point, giving broad capabilities with constraints that encourage light or occasional use.
Category | Free plan | Paid (Plus) |
Core model | GPT-4o (default) | GPT-5, GPT-5 Thinking |
GPT-5 Thinking | 1 message/day | Multiple per day |
Web search | Included | Included (higher limits) |
Data analysis | Included | Included (higher limits) |
File/image upload | Included | Larger files supported |
GPT Store | Use GPTs | Use + create GPTs |
Rate limits | Lower | Higher throughput |
Why free access matters in 2025.
OpenAI’s decision to keep a generous Free plan ensures that ChatGPT remains widely accessible. Students, professionals, and casual users can analyze data, generate images, and browse the web without cost. At the same time, Plus and higher plans incentivize power users to upgrade when they hit throughput or GPT creation needs.
The combination of web, mobile, and desktop apps means that free access to ChatGPT is not limited to one environment. With the addition of Projects, browsing, and GPT Store access, the Free plan in 2025 offers a broader range of functionality than most competitors’ entry-level tiers.
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