OpenAI Rolls Out Budget-Friendly ChatGPT Plan Amid Ad Push
OpenAI's New Budget Plan: More AI for Less Money
ChatGPT users worldwide now have a more affordable way to upgrade their AI experience. OpenAI has expanded its ChatGPT Go subscription globally after successful testing in India last year. For $8 monthly (about ¥60), this middle-tier option delivers significant upgrades over the free version while staying far cheaper than premium plans.
What You Get With ChatGPT Go
The new plan positions itself as the smart choice for regular users who want better performance without breaking the bank. Subscribers enjoy:
- 10x more messages than free accounts
- File uploads and image creation tools
- Improved memory that retains your preferences longer
- Extended conversations without losing context
- Unlimited access to GPT-5.2 Instant - OpenAI's fastest current model
The company explains this move helps democratize advanced AI features. "We want powerful tools accessible beyond just tech professionals," an OpenAI spokesperson noted.
The Ad Tradeoff Begins
Alongside this expansion comes a development some users may find less welcome: advertising. Starting in the U.S., both free and Go subscribers will see sponsored content marked clearly at the bottom of responses.
OpenAI promises these won't compromise response quality or privacy:
- Ads relate to conversation topics but remain separated from answers
- No selling of chat data to marketers
- Easy dismissal options and feedback channels
- No ads shown to minors or on sensitive topics like health/politics
The company's pricier tiers - Plus ($20/month), Pro ($200/month), and enterprise plans - remain ad-free.
Choosing Your ChatGPT Tier
The landscape now offers clearer stepping stones:
- Free: Basic access with coming ads
- Go ($8): Major upgrades plus ads
- Plus ($20): Top models ad-free
- Pro ($200): Maximum performance
The introduction of ChatGPT Go reflects growing market segmentation in generative AI services as providers balance accessibility with revenue needs.
