Free vs. paid AI tools

Hi!

Last week we looked at 5 handy AI tools for specific jobs. But when we refer to ChatGPT, Claude or Perplexity we’re not talking about a single tool. Each of these offers both a free model and a paid version.

But what’s the difference and is it worth spending the money?

Free options can be great for basic needs, but paid options offer more advanced features. While the product offering will vary from one company to another, generally the differences between the free and premium options can be boiled down to limits on access, features and usage.

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision.

1. What are you using the tool for?

Are you using AI tools for fun at home or in a professional capacity? If you’re using AI tools in your working life the extra functionality of a paid version might justify the cost.

If you’re playing around with AI tools for personal use or getting to grips with what a new tool can offer then the basic version might be sufficient as a starting point.


2. How often are you likely to use it? One-off or regular use?

Paying a $20 monthly fee for a tool you rarely use probably isn’t the best use of your hard-earned money. If you need to ask multiple questions, generate regular content or upload multiple files for analysis then chances are the paid version is the way to go.

You won’t be hit by the same usage limits imposed on free models, you may get faster responses and paid users are often given priority during peak times.


3. How many different AI tools do you use or need?

If you only need an AI tool for quality text generation then a paid subscription isn’t going to drain your bank account but if you’re using Claude Pro to generate content, Loom’s AI Suite for video edits, Midjourney to create images etc. then costs can quickly add up.

Unless your budget is unlimited you’ll likely need to prioritize your spending on what’s most important to you.


4. Which tool gives you the best ROI?
Perhaps basic Claude is enough for your content needs but you haven’t found a cheaper image creator that compares with the quality of output from Midjourney so maybe that’s where you spend your money.

Similarly, if you enjoy writing content or have a particular knack for recording quality videos without the need for AI edits then you might opt to spend your money on the work you enjoy less or can’t do yourself.

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Let’s take a look at the differences between the free and paid versions of 3 popular AI tools.

1. ChatGPT vs ChatGPT Plus

Free

• Older version of GPT (GPT-3.5)

• Limited access to GPT‑4o

• Basic functionality but limited access to advanced data analysis and file uploads

• Training data goes up to January 2022 so won’t have knowledge beyond this date

Paid

• Access to latest version (GPT-4) means improved capabilities in writing, logical reasoning, coding etc.

• Higher limits for GPT‑4o (5 times more messages)

• Access to advanced data analysis, file uploads, vision, and web browsing

• Image generation with DALL·E

• Ability to create custom GPTs to tailor responses for a particular domain or purpose

• Latest update trained on data up to April 2024

• Faster response times and priority usage during peak times

2. Claude vs Claude Pro

Free

• Basic functionality for text generation and answers to simple queries

• Usage limits, restricted functionality and limited availability during peak times

• Training data was last updated in August 2023 (which means Claude currently has more knowledge of recent events and information than ChatGPT’s free version) 

Paid

• Advanced functionality with access to the fastest model, Claude 3 Haiku and Claude 3 Opus

• Higher usage limits with 5 times more usage versus the free plan

• Priority access during high-traffic periods

• Early access to new features

3. Perplexity vs Perplexity Pro

Free

• Default Perplexity AI model

• Unlimited Quick searches

• 5 Pro searches per day (for more accurate, detailed answers)

• File upload limits (3 files per day and maximum file size of 25 MB)

Paid 

• Ability to select a preferred AI model such as GPT-4o or Claude-3 to tailor results

• Unlimited Quick searches

• 600 Pro searches per day (for more accurate, detailed answers)

• No limits on file uploads and analysis

• Visualize up to 50 answers per day using Playground AI, DALL-E, SDXL, and more
  

So is it worth shelling out money for the premium models or will the basic version do the job? Ultimately it’s going to depend on your individual requirements and your budget. 

It might take a bit of trial and error to work out which free models are sufficient for your needs and which paid versions warrant the upgrade but it’s worth the effort if you want to get the most out of your AI toolbox.

And don’t forget, new tools, upgrades and advances are being released all the time so it’s worth keeping your ear to the ground.

OK, speak soon!

Inge
Top Apps Founder

P.S. Check out the Top Apps AI courses here.