BEGINNER GUIDE

ChatGPT

✓ Official links checked

by OpenAI

Try ChatGPT

A versatile AI assistant for questions, writing, learning, ideas and everyday planning.

All-round AIFree planBeginner friendly

OUR TAKEThe best all-round first AI for most beginners.

✦

Best forEveryday help

✓

Ease of useVery easy

◈

Starting costFree

⌕

SourcesNot always shown

QUICK FACTS

Company: OpenAI
Category: All-round AI
Free version: Yes, with limits
Devices: Web, phone & desktop

THE SIMPLE VERSION

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI you can talk to in normal language. Ask a question, give it a task, then use follow-up messages to make the answer clearer, shorter or more useful.

✓ A good fit if you want to…

Write or improve everyday text
Understand a topic more easily
Turn ideas into a simple plan

– Choose another tool if you…

Need every answer to show sources
Mainly want finished designs or video
Expect every fact to be correct

YOUR FIRST 10 MINUTES

Start in three steps

1Open ChatGPTUse the free plan to begin.
2Ask one clear questionSay what you need and for whom.
3Improve the answerAsk: “Make it shorter and simpler.”

TRY THIS FIRST PROMPT

Explain [a topic] in simple words. Use one everyday example and keep the answer short.

POPULAR USES

What can it help with?

✎WritingMessages, emails and drafts

◇LearningSimple explanations

▣PlanningSteps, lists and schedules

⌕BrainstormingIdeas and starting points

↔ComparingPros, cons and choices

✓ImprovingClearer, shorter text

PLANS

Free or paid?

FREE$0

Unlimited everyday text chats, with separate limits for files, images, voice and other tools.

Best for trying ChatGPT and lighter everyday use.

GOAbout $8/mo*

More access than Free for eligible tools such as images, files and data analysis.

Best for regular users who want a lower-cost upgrade.

PLUS$20/mo*

Broader model and tool access with higher limits than Free.

Best for frequent work, study and creative tasks.

✓Free is enough if…you mainly ask questions, write short text and only occasionally use files or images.

+Consider paid if…you use ChatGPT frequently or regularly reach the limits for files, images, voice or advanced tools.

View official plans

*US prices checked on 23 August 2026. Go pricing is localized in some countries. Taxes, access and limits can vary.

GOOD TO KNOW

Safety and privacy

✓

Check important facts

AI can sound confident and still be wrong.

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Keep private data private

Never paste passwords, card details or ID numbers.

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Review Data Controls

Choose how your chats may be used in Settings.

Official data controls guide

STILL CHOOSING?See the important differences side by side.

Compare ChatGPT with Perplexity

OFFICIAL EVIDENCE

Sources and freshness

We use official product and help pages for plan, access and privacy claims.

ChatGPT Free Tier FAQ What is ChatGPT Go?What is ChatGPT Plus?Data Controls FAQ

Product and access: 23 August 2026
Pricing: 23 August 2026
Privacy controls: 23 August 2026