Which fits your task?
Both are general assistants for writing, research, files and images, so the deciding factor is usually where you work. Gemini is built into Google's apps and plans, while ChatGPT bundles OpenAI's coding agent and its own workspace features.
What we compared
We compared the individual plans: what the free plan includes, which models each tier unlocks, what paid tiers add for everyday work and what they cost.
This comparison is based on the official pricing pages checked on October 24, 2026. AppFor.ai has not run both assistants on the same test set, so there are no scores or winner from our own testing.
The differences that matter
Free plans: ChatGPT Free offers unlimited text chats with GPT-6, within abuse guardrails, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice, deep research and Codex. Gemini Free uses the Flash-Lite model and includes image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live, Canvas and Gems.
Models: Gemini 4 Argon and Google's Pro model start with Google AI Pro; Google AI Plus adds the Flash model. ChatGPT Plus adds advanced reasoning with GPT-6, and Pro adds GPT-6 Astra.
Ecosystem: from Google AI Plus, Gemini works inside Gmail and other Google apps, and from Google AI Pro inside Docs and Chrome auto browse. ChatGPT offers Codex for coding and ChatGPT Work on desktop, with wider access from Plus, plus projects, scheduled tasks and custom GPTs.
Limits: Gemini's paid limits are stated as multiples of Free (2x on Plus, 4x on Pro) and refresh every five hours up to a weekly cap. OpenAI describes ChatGPT limits as limited, expanded or maximum by plan.
Cost and constraints
ChatGPT (monthly, US prices): Free; Go at $8, which may include ads; Plus at $20; Pro at $100, $200 or $500 depending on the usage tier.
Gemini (monthly, US prices): Free; Google AI Plus at $4.99; Google AI Pro at $19.99; Google AI Ultra at $99.99 or $199.99 for 5x or 20x the Pro limits. Google's plans also include cloud storage, from 400 GB on Plus to 5 TB on Pro, and are for users aged 18 and over.
The closest pair is ChatGPT Plus at $20 and Google AI Pro at $19.99. At the low end, Google AI Plus costs $4.99 and ChatGPT Go $8. Prices and features vary by country.
Choose based on your needs
Not sure? Give both the same real task on their free plans, such as summarizing a long PDF and drafting a reply, and note how much you had to correct. See our ChatGPT and Google Gemini profiles, and Claude vs ChatGPT if you are also considering Claude.
Go to the source
Sources & further reading
Based on the official documentation below. Features and access can change; check the provider before making a decision.
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