AI is here and I don’t think it’s leaving anytime soon.
At the end of 2022, we were all introduced to ChatGPT. It took the world by storm.
I remember the first time I heard about it. Mikayla and I were watching Tik Toks and this smart looking guy with glasses was talking about how there is technology out there that can generate human-like responses within seconds on topics that scholars spend their whole lives trying to understand.
The first thought that came to my mind was, “Well this sounds like the beginning of another Terminator movie…”
My second thought was to be open-minded and see what ChatGPT was all about. OpenAI made it easy because it was free to use.
Personally, that’s my favorite price.
Mikayla and I started using the free version and were blown away.
Then in February of 2023, OpenAI announced ChatGPT Plus. We found ourselves asking, “is ChatGPT Plus worth it?”
You may be asking yourself the same thing. In this blog, I want to talk through what ChatGPT Plus is and if I think it’s worth it.
What Is ChatGPT Plus?
ChatGPT Plus is OpenAI’s premium version of their popular ChatGPT model. But what does that extra "Plus" bring to the table? Here's a snapshot:
- Access The Latest Version: With ChatGPT Plus, you get access to the latest model. As of the writing of this blog (August 2023), Plus users have exclusive access to GPT-4 which is great for tasks that require creativity and advanced reasoning
- Exclusive Access To Code Interpreter: ChatGPT's Code Interpreter is a specialized feature allowing the model to understand and generate code snippets. It can help you generate code for your website or diagnose code snippets.
- Access to Plugins: There are 800+ plugins that are available to all Plus users to use in ChatGPT. From searching flights with KAYAK to uploading PDFs to browsing the web with the WebPilot plugin, there is a plugin for everyone within ChatGPT Plus.
- Access to Web Browsing: As of writing this blog, OpenAI has taken down the web browsing feature for further testing, but all Plus users will once again have access to the web browsing feature.
- Cross-Platform Usage: Whether on desktop, tablet, or mobile, ChatGPT Plus provides seamless functionality across devices, ensuring a consistent experience.
- Faster Response Times: A premium offering isn't premium if it doesn't boost efficiency. With ChatGPT Plus you get much faster response times when you’re using the tool.
- Price Point: At $20/month, it positions itself as an affordable solution for those seeking enhanced AI capabilities.
If you're looking for a seamless experience with a digital brainstorm buddy, ChatGPT Plus offers that elevated experience. Whether you're a business owner, content writer, or just someone who loves to tinker with cutting-edge technology, this premium version may be your cup of tea.
What Is The Free Version of ChatGPT?
While ChatGPT Plus boasts some advanced features, let's not forget the roots – the free version of ChatGPT. What do you get out of ChatGPT without paying a dime?
- Accessibility to All: One of the main benefits of the free version is that it provides access to cutting-edge AI to everyone, ensuring no one is left out because of cost barriers.
- Standard Access: You get to interact with ChatGPT, but expect occasional wait times, especially during peak hours.
- Occasional Downtime: With high demand, comes occasional accessibility issues. It's the cost of something popular (and free).
- Ad-Supported: While the model itself doesn't push ads, OpenAI can use the platform to announce updates or other services.
- Broad Utility: Despite its limitations, the free version still delivers robust AI-driven responses.
- Regular Updates: Even as a free user, you'll get updates and improvements, ensuring you're not using outdated technology.
For casual users or those on a tight budget, the free version remains an incredible tool. It allows users from all over the world to experience the power of cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank.
How Much Faster Is ChatGPT Plus?
You’ve heard it a million times - wait 30 minutes after eating to go swimming. This has nothing to do with this blog, but damn was that seared into my head as a kid.
The other thing you’ve probably heard a million times is that time is money. ChatGPT Plus promises faster response times, but how does that translate in real terms? In several benchmarks, the premium version showed a 30% to 50% faster response time compared to the free model. For professionals who rely on the platform for their work or research, these saved seconds can accumulate to significant time savings over a month.
Recently, a real estate client of ours came to us and wanted us to create a filter system on their site where users could find properties based off of things like city, neighborhood, property type, etc. They wanted to write a description of all 32 cities in their market, but trying to find the time to sit down and write city descriptions was impossible for them.
Until we showed them ChatGPT Plus.
We taught them how to communicate with the AI tool, use the web browsing feature to summarize these different cities and have it generate a good starting point with their city descriptions where they could go in and add a human touch. I don’t know the exact amount of hours ChatGPT Plus was able to save them, but I’m sure they would tell you way more than $20 worth of time.
Limitations of ChatGPT Plus
No product is without its quirks. While ChatGPT Plus offers a lot of advantages, there are some limitations to it:
- It's Not Unlimited: Even as a premium user, there are still some rate limits. It's designed to be faster and more accessible, but not limitless.
- Learning Curve: With greater power comes, well, more to learn. Users might need some time to fully exploit the premium features.
- Dependency: There's always the risk of becoming too reliant on a tool, potentially stunting personal growth in some areas. It’s key to use it as an augmentation of skills, not a replacement. You shouldn’t be straight up copying and pasting entire responses it gives you.
- Not Always Perfect: Like all AI models, ChatGPT Plus doesn’t always get things 100% right. While it's trained on vast amounts of data and can generate human-like text, there will be instances where its response might be off or not exactly what you expected.
- Can't Replace Human Touch: For specific tasks, especially those requiring deep emotional understanding or nuanced judgment, a human touch is irreplaceable. While ChatGPT Plus is impressive, it doesn't possess emotions, intuition, or genuine creativity.
Common Questions
Q: Is ChatGPT Plus suitable for non-technical users?
A: Yes, ChatGPT Plus is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to individuals with varying technical backgrounds. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation empower users to harness its capabilities without extensive technical expertise.
Q: Will ChatGPT Plus improve my digital marketing efforts?
If you're using ChatGPT for digital marketing strategies, the Plus version can be like having a top-tier coach; you get more reliable access which means more time to refine your plays and strategies without delays.
Q: How does ChatGPT Plus ensure data privacy and security?
A: ChatGPT Plus adheres to stringent data privacy and security protocols, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of user data. OpenAI's robust security measures and compliance standards safeguard user information and interactions.
Conclusion
So, is ChatGPT Plus worth it? For Mikayla and I, hell yea it is. But it boils down to your needs.
If you're a power user that uses ChatGPT on a daily basis, that $20/month can be a valuable investment, offering speed and reliability. But if you're a casual user, the free version still offers a ton of value.
Ultimately, OpenAI's commitment to both its free and premium users is impressive. Whether you're shelling out some cash for the 'Plus' experience or enjoying ChatGPT for free, there's undeniable value in both.
