For beginners
ChatGPT vs Gemini, for beginners
Both have a free plan. Here is what each one includes, then a way to pick.
Not sure where to start? Take the 1-minute quiz.
Free ChatGPT
From ChatGPT's pricing page, checked October 30, 2026.
The free plan is available to everyone. You get unlimited text chats with GPT-6, and abuse guardrails still apply.
Pictures, voice chats, file uploads, deep research, and memory are included, in a limited amount. The page does not say how many. Study mode is included.
You do not get GPT-6.1 Sol or GPT-6 Astra. You do not get voice with video, image generation with Thinking, or scheduled tasks.
Free Gemini
From Gemini's subscriptions page, checked October 30, 2026.
You get the Flash-Lite model, picture making and editing, and deep research. The page does not say how many chats or pictures that includes.
You also get Gemini Notebook, for research and writing, and 15 GB of storage across Gmail, Drive, and Photos.
Google Flow is included in a limited amount. The page calls it a studio for making video scenes and stories.
From Gemini's about page, checked October 30, 2026. Gemini Live is built into the chat. You can talk, switch between talking and typing, and show it what you are looking at.
Which should you start with?
If you already use Gmail, Drive, or Photos, try Gemini. The free plan includes 15 GB of storage for those apps.
Otherwise, start with free ChatGPT. That plan is available to everyone.
What the paid ChatGPT plan adds is on Is ChatGPT free? Prices we store are on what to pay. What not to paste in is on Is ChatGPT safe?
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