ChatGPT vs Poe

Free plans, cheapest paid tier, annual rates, API access and usage limits — side by side.

Which should I choose?

  • All of them have a free plan, so you can test before paying.
  • Poe is the cheapest way in at $4.99/mo; ChatGPT starts at $8/mo.
  • Poe is credit-metered, so the sticker price is not the whole cost.

Every line above is derived from the recorded plan data, not an opinion. Prices verified 17 Aug 2026.

FeatureChatGPTPoe
Category AssistantsAssistants
Company OpenAIQuora
Free plan YesYes
Cheapest paid $8/mo$4.99/mo
Best annual rate Not verifiedNot verified
Top plan $200/mo$249.99/mo
Plans 56
Usage-based option NoNo
API Not verifiedNot verified
Open weights Not verifiedNot verified
Credit-metered NoYes
Pricing model freemiumfreemium
Last verified 17 Aug 202617 Aug 2026
PlanChatGPTPoe
Tier 1Free · FreeFree · Free
Tier 2Go · $8/moStarter · $4.99/mo
Tier 3Plus · $20/moPremium · $19.99/mo
Tier 4Pro 5× · $100/moPremium Plus · $49.99/mo
Tier 5Pro 20× · $200/moPro · $99.99/mo
Tier 6Pro Max · $249.99/mo