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How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 5 reasons why you should)
When ChatGPT was first unveiled in November 2022, it was free for all users. However, its quick surge in popularity caused extended wait times and blackout periods. As a result, OpenAI added its subscription plan to help users avoid the wait and provide access to other convenient perks.
Also: ChatGPT vs ChatGPT Plus: Is it worth the subscription fee?
ChatGPT's subscription plan is called ChatGPT Plus and costs $20/month. The paid subscription model guarantees users general access even during peak times when the free version is at capacity and offers faster response times.
Plan subscribers also get priority access to new, unreleased features and improvements, including OpenAI's latest and greatest updates, such as an upgraded GPT-4 Turbo, the ability to create custom chatbots or GPTs, DALL-E 3's image generation, access to the internet, advanced data analysis, and more.
All these features combined make ChatGPT Plus a must-subscribe for individuals who rely on ChatGPT for their daily workflow. If you're not convinced, here are the five most compelling reasons why a ChatGPT Plus subscription might be worth it.
1. You want to access DALL-E
When OpenAI first launched DALL-E 2, the text-to-image generator was available to the public for free with a credit allowance that was replenished every month. However, after launching its most advanced text-to-image model, DALL-E 3, the company discontinued access to DALL-E 2.
Also: How to use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT
That change means the only way to access DALL-E in an OpenAI offering is through a ChatGPT Plus subscription. A plus subscription means users can access DALL-E 3's image-generating capabilities within the ChatGPT interface.
Recently, OpenAI unveiled new upgrades to DALL-E 3, which make accessing it via ChatGPT even more compelling. These features include a new style inspiration feature and the DALL-E editor interface, which lets users edit photos from the chatbot.
2. You want the upgraded GPT-4 Turbo
Last week, OpenAI made an improved version of GPT-4 Turbo available to all its paying customers, including ChatGPT Plus subscribers. The upgraded GPT-4 Turbo, gpt-4-turbo-2024-04-09, boasts several improvements from its predecessor, including better writing, math, logical reasoning, and coding skills.
Also: OpenAI gives ChatGPT subscribers a smarter, more conversational GPT-4 Turbo
When unveiling the upgraded version, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman said GPT-4 is "now significantly smarter and more pleasant to use." The only way to access GPT-4 on ChatGPT is if you are a subscriber, so if you could use more accurate, concise, and smart responses, ChatGPT Plus may be worth the investment.
3. You need uninterrupted access
If using ChatGPT has become a cornerstone of your workflow and a tool you rely on to complete everyday tasks, then you would benefit from ChatGPT Plus's priority access. ChatGPT kicked off the generative AI craze and soared in popularity. As a result, millions of users consistently use ChatGPT's free version.
Also: The ethics of generative AI: How we can harness this powerful technology
However, this popularity means the chatbot sometimes reaches capacity, meaning users can't access the chatbot. Not being able to predict the chatbot's availability could be problematic if you rely on the tool for everyday tasks. ChatGPT Plus guarantees access, even during peak times, giving you the peace of mind that you can get assistance whenever required.
4. You use and create custom GPTs
OpenAI initially unveiled plugins to connect to ChatGPT third-party applications, including access to real-time information on the web and links to popular applications, such as Expedia, OpenTable, Kayak, and more. However, as of March 19, OpenAI stopped allowing users to install new plugins or start new conversations with existing ones, replacing these connections with custom GPTs.
Also: My two favorite ChatGPT Plus features and the remarkable things I can do with them
With custom GPTs, users can create brand-new chatbots that suit their purpose and browse the GPT Store, which has millions of custom chatbots for different tasks. The GPTs include known applications, such as Canva, AllTrails, Code Tutor, Adobe Express, and more. ZDNET's Steven Vaughan-Nichols went as far as to say that the GPT Store is the most compelling reason to become a ChatGPT Plus subscriber.
5. You want multimodal prompts
With ChatGPT Plus, you can input multimodal prompts, such as images and documents, in addition to text. For example, you can upload an image and ask ChatGPT to analyze it and explain more about an element of the photo.
Also: AI business is booming: ChatGPT Enterprise now boasts 600,000+ users
You can also upload a document and ask ChatGPT to summarize its contents and ask questions about the document to learn more. You can't do that kind of multimodal work with the regular, free version of ChatGPT, so you may want to subscribe if you like the sound of this feature.
How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
If you want to expand how you use ChatGPT and experience all the chatbot has to offer, first you have to create or sign in to your OpenAI account. Then, you can click the 'Upgrade to Plus' button, select ChatGPT Plus, and complete the transaction.
Copilot as a free alternative
It is worth noting that many of the ChatGPT Plus features, such as access to the internet, multimodal inputs, GPT-4, and DALL-E 3 image generation, are available in Microsoft Copilot for free. Of course, this decision means you would lose on some of the bells and whistles that ChatGPT offers, and the ability to use the ChatGPT interface. However, Microsoft's Copilot may be a great alternative if you want to save money.
FAQs
Can I still use ChatGPT for free?
Yes, the free version is still available to the public. With the free plan, you get full access to the chatbot. The disadvantages of the free plan are that you won't be able to access the bot during periods of high demand and won't have access to the latest updates, such as GPT-4.
How much is ChatGPT Plus membership?
ChatGPT Plus membership is currently priced at $20/month. Although this might seem steep, it is comparable to similar subscriptions such as Copilot Pro, which is also $20/month.
Is there a waitlist for ChatGPT Plus?
After OpenAI unveiled new features for ChatGPT Plus on DevDay, there was a surge in subscribers, which triggered a pause in ChatGPT Plus signups. However, OpenAI reopened signups and now you can proceed as usual.
What are the advantages of a ChatGPT Plus membership?
The biggest perks of a ChatGPT Plus membership include priority access to the latest upgrades, such as GPT-4, and the ability to create custom chatbots, use DALL-E 3's image generation, access the internet, bypass wait times, and increase response rates.
Is ChatGPT Plus worth it?
The answer to this question depends on your personal use case. However, ZDNET experts have tested the tool and found the subscription fee is worth the cost because ChatGPT Plus is smarter, more accurate, and more reliable.