How to get ChatGPT for free

OpenAI’s ChatGPT free online tier

The most obvious way to get ChatGPT for free is to use the official free access to ChatGPT provided by OpenAI. The service now runs on GPT‑5.3 and GPT‑5.4 thinking models, and all users, including accounts without a paid subscription, can access them. Previously, OpenAI limited the free version to older models, but today it is almost identical to the paid version. Only the limits differ.

In its free mode, ChatGPT allows you to:

• Chat — up to 10 messages every 5 hours on the latest ChatGPT‑5.3 model. After that, you can continue the conversation, but with older ChatGPT versions.

• Generate and download images — on average up to 3 per day.

• Upload files for analysis — up to 2 per day.

• Activate Deep Research mode — up to 5 times per month.

When a user reaches the free mode limits, the system automatically switches them to an older model or the mini mode. Chat access remains, but the AI retains context in the current thread less effectively. Sometimes you need to start a new conversation and provide the initial information again.

ChatGPT is unavailable in several countries, including China and North Korea. To access it there, you need to spoof your real IP address using a proxy. Free IPs or web proxies are usually sufficient to do so.

Advantages of ChatGPT from OpenAI

• Free access to the latest version of ChatGPT.

• Available as a web version and mobile app.

• Wide range of modes — Thinking, Deep Research, Shopping Research, Study and Learn, Web Search, Canvas, Quizzes.

• Supports voice input and voice conversation.

• Suitable for most basic tasks: working with text, searching for information, analyzing data, generating images.

Limitations of ChatGPT from OpenAI

• After 10 messages in the free mode, ChatGPT switches to an older model or mini version.

• Limits on file uploads, images, and Deep Research mode.

• Response speed for free users may slow down during high demand.

• Unavailable in some regions unless you spoof your IP address.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is an AI from Microsoft that is partly based on large language models, including ChatGPT‑4 and ChatGPT‑5. The AI is available in its web version, the Bing search engine, and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Copilot can be used for free. The free version offers almost the same features as ChatGPT and sometimes even surpasses it.

Advantages of Microsoft Copilot

• Free access.

• Combines several language models, including ChatGPT.

• Multiple modes — Smart, Think Deeper, Study and Learn, Search, Deep Research, Create a Podcast, Take a Quiz.

• Can generate images without strict limits.

• Can create podcasts for free.

• Available in web and mobile apps.

• Supports voice input.

• Maintains quality and context even in long conversations.

• Does not switch to simplified models.

Limitations of Microsoft Copilot

• May not work in some regions, including China and North Korea. Access there requires spoofing your IP address. 

• Limits on podcast creation (up to 3 per day) and Deep Research mode (up to 5 per day).

• During high demand, priority is given to users with a paid subscription.

Hugging Face

Hugging Face is a platform that works in the browser and combines datasets, web apps, and AI models in one place. You can test different AI assistants and web services without installing them on your device.

The core of the service is made up of Spaces. Here, developers share ready-to-use interfaces for working with AI. For example, searching for “GPT-5” lets you find ChatGPT‑5 (and higher) models, as well as lighter versions like ChatGPT‑5‑nano. Clicking on any model in the catalog opens a separate page where you can launch the interface directly in the browser and start working.

Hugging Face does not control which interfaces actually use the OpenAI API and which rely on alternative solutions. Because it works through third-party APIs, response speeds are lower than in the official ChatGPT.

Advanced users can copy a Space to their Hugging Face account using the Duplicate button and work with it through their own API key, which improves privacy.

Advantages of Hugging Face

• Free access.

• Works directly in the browser.

• No registration required.

• Allows testing different AI models.

Limitations of Hugging Face

• Response speed is slower than the official ChatGPT.

• No built-in modes like Deep Research, though they can sometimes be activated via prompts.

• No guarantee that each app uses the real OpenAI API.

• Only text input is available. You cannot generate images, upload files, or use voice input.

• No mobile app.

Poe.com by Quora

Poe.com is a platform by Quora that brings several AI models together in one interface. The service provides access to both new and older versions of ChatGPT. You can find them in the Explore or Bots and Apps tabs by searching for “GPT.” Available models include ChatGPT‑5, ChatGPT‑5.4 Pro, ChatGPT‑5‑mini, ChatGPT‑5‑nano, and others.

After registration, users receive 300 points. Points refresh daily and are deducted for each request. The cost depends on the chosen AI model and the amount of text you input and the AI outputs. Newer versions use more points, older versions use fewer. If you don’t have enough points, the system will notify you. During testing, we were able to send two requests to the ChatGPT‑4o model. ChatGPT‑5.4 was unavailable because a single message cost around 950 points.

A unique feature of the platform is the ability to compare responses. After a chosen model generates a result, the service allows you to see how other AI assistants respond to the same request. You can compare ChatGPT versions with each other or with alternative AI models in the same window.

Advantages of Poe.com

• Free access.

• Available as a web version and apps for Android, iOS, and macOS.

• Supports voice input.

• Wide selection of AI models and versions.

• Allows comparing responses from different models.

• File uploads are supported.

Limitations of Poe.com

• Daily point limit for requests is low. Newer AI models and image generation quickly use up points.

Merlin Chrome extension

Merlin is a Google Chrome extension that provides access to ChatGPT and other AI models directly in the browser. Users install the extension from the Chrome Web Store and immediately see a chat for sending requests. Merlin can also be used separately at getmerlin.in.

Merlin is free to use but comes with limits. Each day, users receive about 100 tokens for requests to different AI models, including various ChatGPT versions. The newer and more powerful the model, the more tokens a single request consumes.

Example token costs per request:

• ChatGPT‑5‑mini — 5 tokens;

• ChatGPT‑5.1 — 15 tokens;

• ChatGPT‑5.2 — 30 tokens;

• ChatGPT‑5.2 High Reasoning — 60 tokens;

• ChatGPT‑5.4 — 30 tokens.

When using “light” models, 100 tokens are enough for 5–20 requests per day.

Advantages of Merlin

• It’s free.

• Quick access through the browser extension.

• Various modes available: e.g., Social helps find posts on forums or social media platforms.

• Allows selecting different ChatGPT versions.

• Available as a browser extension, web version, and mobile app.

• Can generate images.

Limitations of Merlin

• Tokens are limited.

• Requests to advanced models quickly use up the token balance.

Calling 1-800-ChatGPT

OpenAI launched an experimental 1-800-ChatGPT service. Users in the US and Canada can talk to ChatGPT by phone. The AI responds in a human-like voice.

To use the service, call 1-800-242-8478. OpenAI offers up to 30 minutes of free voice interaction per month.

Advantages of 1-800-ChatGPT

• It’s free.

• Accessible from a mobile phone.

• No Internet access required.

• No account needed.

• No computer needed.

Limitations of 1-800-ChatGPT

• Only available in the US and Canada.

• Requires a mobile SIM card from one of these countries.

• Service is available from age 13.

• Your operator may charge for the call.

Previously, the service worked via WhatsApp, allowing users to message ChatGPT in the app. Since January 15, 2026, WhatsApp support is no longer available.

Third-party solutions with free ChatGPT access

Some third-party services act as intermediaries: they use the official OpenAI API and other developers’ APIs without creating their own models.

TalkAI

TalkAI is a web service that provides free access to several language models. It uses the official ChatGPT API and works without registration. Mobile apps are also available for Android and iOS. The free version includes ChatGPT‑4.1‑nano, Claude 3 Haiku, Gemini 2.0 Flash Lite, and DeepSeek v3.

The service supports text only. You cannot generate images, use voice input, or select additional modes. File uploads and ChatGPT‑5 access require a paid subscription.

Duck AI Chat

Duck AI Chat is a browser-based AI chat available without registration. Free access includes ChatGPT‑5‑mini and ChatGPT‑4o‑mini. Newer versions require a paid subscription.

In Duck AI Chat, you can assign a role to the AI assistant — coach, brainstorming partner, editor, fitness trainer, and more. The service also supports image generation and file uploads.

Free API access via grants and programs

Occasionally, OpenAI offers grants for researchers, developers, and teams creating projects with ChatGPT and its API. Through these programs, OpenAI provides API credits (essentially tokens in the account) or allocates funding.

Grants are only available in the countries where OpenAI officially provides the API. Teams must develop projects and use the AI in these regions. For example, users from China and several other countries cannot currently apply directly. However, this barrier does not completely block access. Teams often submit applications through universities, organizations, or international partners. For example, a co-author from the EU or the US can apply for a grant on behalf of the project. In such cases, OpenAI evaluates the concept and its impact, not the location of each participant.

Current OpenAI grants and programs for 2026

• OpenAI Researcher Access Program — up to $1,000 in API credits for academic researchers and non-profit organizations. Projects must study AI, use the API responsibly, and analyze the impact of the technology.

• OpenAI Cybersecurity Grant Program — around $10,000 in API credits or the equivalent in funding for teams and organizations developing solutions and enhancing AI security and cybersecurity.

How to use free ChatGPT effectively

Be clear with your prompts

The more specific your question, the more accurate the answer. This helps save requests to the latest model, which are limited in the free version of ChatGPT. It’s better to spend extra time crafting precise prompts in advance.

Separate tasks into threads

Don’t keep all conversations in one window. Split topics into separate threads: one for code, another for text, and a third for data analysis.

Save key information

By default, ChatGPT stores conversations. Still, it’s better to duplicate key insights and data into a separate document or note.

Combine ChatGPT with other solutions

To avoid hitting limits, use multiple services. For important tasks, deep research, image generation, and podcast creation, choose ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. For everyday questions, other solutions we’ve discussed here work well — Hugging Face, the Merlin Chrome extension, or the web service TalkAI, which runs on the OpenAI API.

Increase limits

If ChatGPT’s free limits become a problem, but you don’t want to pay for a full ChatGPT subscription, you can use the anti-detect browser Octo Browser with residential proxies. It allows you to create dozens of separate profiles in one click. For platforms such as ChatGPT, each Octo profile looks like a new user with a unique device and IP address.

The reason is that an anti-detect browser spoofs your digital fingerprint. This includes screen resolution, fonts, language, time zone, operating system, extensions, and other device and browser parameters. Platforms use these signals to identify users. If you use Octo Browser profiles, however, websites treat you as a new user with a new device, and also with a new IP address if you connect a proxy.

By using multiple Octo profiles, you increase your ChatGPT limits because each one gets its own starting package. Simply put, the more profiles you have, the higher your total limits. This also applies to the official free access to ChatGPT.

Octo Browser works on a subscription-based model. Pricing starts at €7 per month with annual billing or €10 per month if paid monthly. The browser includes a built-in Proxy Shop offering proxies from verified proxy providers. These are also paid for, but Octo users get discounts of up to 60%. Overall, this option can be more cost-effective than the basic ChatGPT subscription, which starts at $20 per month. At the same time, Octo gives access not only to ChatGPT but also to other services with limits on free accounts or regional restrictions.

For basic access to ChatGPT in regions where it is unavailable, free proxies or web proxy services are often enough. However, they are not secure: we explain this in detail here. They also cannot bypass deep restrictions like DPI. This is why we recommend using paid-for proxies. The built-in Proxy Shop in Octo Browser offers only reliable proxies from trusted providers verified by our team.

Conclusions

Even with the limits of the free tier, the official ChatGPT app from OpenAI remains the most convenient way to work with AI without a subscription. The service provides access to the latest ChatGPT model and covers most everyday tasks, from writing text and searching for information to data analysis. If you hit the free ChatGPT limits, it’s worth trying alternatives mentioned in this guide, such as Microsoft Copilot or AI aggregator platforms. They help save tokenized ChatGPT requests and provide access for users in regions where ChatGPT is unavailable.

It’s important to understand that many free services use simplified or mini ChatGPT models. In practice, these are the same versions that ChatGPT switches to after you use up your daily limits. If you need access to the latest ChatGPT models specifically, Octo Browser is the best option in terms of price, convenience, and security. By creating multiple isolated anti-detect profiles, you can significantly increase your daily limits for text requests, image generation, and Deep Research mode.

FAQ

Is ChatGPT available for free?

Yes. The free version even allows you to interact with the latest model, but with limitations. You can send up to 10 text requests every 5 hours to the GPT‑5.3 model, generate up to 3 images per day, and use Deep Research mode up to 5 times per month. When you reach the free ChatGPT limits, ChatGPT does not block access; instead the model switches to a simpler version and continues working.

How long can I use ChatGPT for free?

You can use ChatGPT for free almost without limits when it comes to text requests. The first 10 messages are handled by the latest ChatGPT model. For the rest, the AI uses older versions or mini mode until the limit resets. This usually takes about 5 hours.

Is free ChatGPT access different from the paid ChatGPT version?

Yes. The main differences are limits and priorities. Paid subscribers can send more text requests and include more characters per thread. In the paid version, you can also generate more images and use Deep Research mode more often. Additionally, paid ChatGPT maintains context better within a thread, does not switch to a lower model under heavy use, and responds faster. You can read more about features and limits of different ChatGPT subscription plans here.

Can I use ChatGPT for free without an account?

Yes, you can. In 2024, OpenAI opened access to ChatGPT to everyone without registration.

Is it legal to use ChatGPT for free?

Yes. OpenAI officially provides a free version of ChatGPT.