Comparison · Prices checked 29 October 2026

ChatGPT vs Claude (2026): price, free plan and which to choose

ChatGPT and Claude are both strong options for small businesses. Here is how they compare on what matters before you sign up: price, free options and who each one suits.

At a glance

ToolStarting priceFree planFree trialBest forSource
ChatGPTUSD: Go $8/month (Plus $20/month)YesNot statedDrafting emails, quote wording, posts and descriptionsOfficial pricing (checked 29 October 2026)
ClaudeUSD: Pro $20/month ($17/month billed annually)YesNot statedLonger documents, careful rewrites and policy wordingOfficial pricing (checked 29 October 2026)

Prices are the starting paid plans shown on each official pricing page on 29 October 2026. Currencies are as shown there; prices in your country, taxes and intro offers can differ. Always confirm on the official site.

What each does

ChatGPT: General AI chat assistant for drafting, rewriting and summarising text. Starting price: Go $8/month (Plus $20/month). Free plan: Yes. Trial: Not stated.

Claude: General AI assistant for writing, editing and working through documents. Starting price: Pro $20/month ($17/month billed annually). Free plan: Yes. Trial: Not stated.

Verdict by business type

  • Drafting emails, quote wording, posts and descriptions: ChatGPT.
  • Longer documents, careful rewrites and policy wording: Claude.
  • Starting on a tight budget: ChatGPT. It has a free plan; compare trials before paying.
  • Outside the US and UK: check local pricing pages; listed prices are in USD.

FAQ

Is ChatGPT cheaper than Claude?

ChatGPT: General AI chat assistant for drafting, rewriting and summarising text. Starting price: Go $8/month (Plus $20/month). Free plan: Yes. Trial: Not stated. Claude: General AI assistant for writing, editing and working through documents. Starting price: Pro $20/month ($17/month billed annually). Free plan: Yes. Trial: Not stated. Currencies differ by region, so compare in your own currency on the official pages.

Does ChatGPT or Claude have a free plan?

ChatGPT: Yes. Claude: Yes.

Which is better, ChatGPT or Claude?

ChatGPT suits drafting emails, quote wording, posts and descriptions; Claude suits longer documents, careful rewrites and policy wording. Try each one with your own work before you commit.

Last checked: 29 October 2026. Our picks are never paid for; paid placements are always marked Featured. See our disclosure.

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