ChatGPT is an AI assistant developed by OpenAI that helps people write, research, code, generate images, analyse documents and solve everyday problems through natural conversation. It is available through web, mobile and desktop applications, with both free and paid subscription options.
In October 2026, OpenAI introduced GPT-6 to ChatGPT, expanding its reasoning capabilities and adding more interactive ways to present information. This review explains how ChatGPT works, which models and features are available, how its subscription plans differ, and the main advantages and limitations to consider before using it.
What Is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a large language model (LLM) chatbot built by OpenAI. It’s trained on massive amounts of text data to predict and generate natural, context-aware responses. Unlike a traditional search engine, ChatGPT sometimes searches as “GPT Chat” or “AI ChatGPT” and doesn’t just retrieve links; it reasons through a question and writes an original answer.
Common uses include:
- Drafting emails, essays, and marketing copy
- Debugging and writing code
- Summarizing documents and research
- Brainstorming and idea generation
- Tutoring and step-by-step explanations
What Tech Leaders Say About ChatGPT
ChatGPT’s launch didn’t just create a new app category it reset how the industry’s biggest names talk about AI’s trajectory.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been candid about the stakes, too, admitting in one widely reported comment that he felt “we already have done something really bad by launching ChatGPT,” a reflection of the tool’s rapid adoption outpacing safeguards, not a retraction of its value.
Together, these reactions capture the split every new user eventually feels: genuine excitement about what the tool can do, paired with a healthy respect for using it responsibly.
How to Start Using ChatGPT
You can start using ChatGPT through its official website or mobile application.
Step 1: Visit chatgpt.
Step 2: In supported regions, you can begin chatting without creating an account. If sign-in is required, select Log In or Sign Up.
Step 3: Enter your question or instruction in the message box.
Step 4: Read the response and ask follow-up questions for more details.
Step 5: Create a free account if you want to save conversations, use personalisation features and continue your work across devices.
ChatGPT also offers paid subscriptions with additional features and higher usage allowances.
Important: Account-free access depends on your location and the current availability of the service
Is ChatGPT Free?
Yes. ChatGPT Free gives you access to the Instant model, standard response speeds, and basic features with no subscription. Paid tiers (Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise) unlock deeper reasoning modes, higher usage limits, faster response times, and access to advanced tools like data analysis and agentic task automation. New to the platform? Our guide on how to use chatgpt for free covers setup, limits, and when to pay.
ChatGPT Models: Which One Are You Actually Using?
OpenAI has moved away from the old naming era many users still search for (“ChatGPT 4,” “ChatGPT-4”). That generation has been fully retired from ChatGPT.
| Model or option | Best for | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-6 Instant | Everyday questions, writing and quick tasks | Eligible ChatGPT users |
| GPT-6 Medium | Reasoning and more detailed work | Eligible paid plans |
| GPT-6 High | Coding, research and complex analysis | Eligible paid plans |
| GPT-6 Extra High | More demanding reasoning tasks | Selected paid plans |
| GPT-6 Pro | Advanced, demanding tasks | Eligible higher-tier plans |
| Explicit GPT-5.6 and GPT-5.5 models | Older model versions for specific workflows | Where available in the model selector |
Free and Go users have the default model experience and a Think option for harder requests. Paid subscriptions may include additional thinking levels, subject to plan limits.
Now that you know how ChatGPT works, see how it stacks up elsewhere on the site: browse our Chat Tools category for ChatGPT alternatives, check our Code Assistant tools if you’re using ChatGPT mainly for development, or read our full AI Chat Tools & Assistants blog posts for deeper comparisons and tutorials.
