AI Chat Assistants · Pricing comparison
GLM (Zhipu AI) vs ChatGPT: Pricing
GLM (Zhipu AI) is the cheaper option ($20.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, ChatGPT rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked September 10, 2026
At a glance
GLM (Zhipu AI) is the cheaper option ($20.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, ChatGPT rates slightly higher.
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GLM (Zhipu AI) vs ChatGPT: side-by-side
| Feature | GLM (Zhipu AI) | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Chat Assistants | AI Chat Assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Free chat at chat.z.ai. GLM-4.5-Flash and GLM-4.7-Flash are free on the API. | Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps. |
| Starting price | Free (chat + Flash API) | $20/mo (Plus) |
| Highest known plan | $160/mo (Coding Plan Max) | $200/mo (Pro) |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Developers who want cheap coding AI with open-weight models | Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files |
| Team support | No | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
GLM (Zhipu AI) uses a freemium model, starting at Free (chat + Flash API). Free chat and Flash models. API: GLM-5.2 $1.40/$4.40, GLM-4.7 $0.60/$2.20. Coding Plan: Lite $18, Pro $72, Max $160/mo. Annual saves 30%. Its free plan: Free chat at chat.z.ai. GLM-4.5-Flash and GLM-4.7-Flash are free on the API.
ChatGPT uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (Plus). A budget Go plan exists at $8/mo with ads. Business is $20/seat/mo. Pro tiers at $100 and $200/mo lift usage caps. Its free plan: Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, GLM (Zhipu AI) wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
GLM (Zhipu AI): pros and cons
Pros
- Genuinely free models on API
- GLM-5.2 is 7x cheaper than GPT on output
- Coding Plan works with popular tools
- Open-weight options available
Cons
- Peak-hour 3× quota burn
- No native Cursor support
- Data processed in China
- GLM-5.3 API pricing not published
ChatGPT: pros and cons
Pros
- Broadest feature set for $20
- Huge ecosystem and plugins
- Free tier is genuinely usable
Cons
- Usage caps on Plus during peak demand
- Go plan includes ads
- Pro tier is expensive
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: GLM (Zhipu AI) — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: ChatGPT.
- GLM (Zhipu AI) is best for: Developers who want cheap coding AI with open-weight models.
- ChatGPT is best for: Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
Verdict
On price alone, GLM (Zhipu AI) is the value pick at Free (chat + Flash API). ChatGPT edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose GLM (Zhipu AI) if you want developers who want cheap coding ai with open-weight models, and ChatGPT if you want anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
GLM (Zhipu AI) vs ChatGPT FAQ
Which is cheaper, GLM (Zhipu AI) or ChatGPT?
GLM (Zhipu AI) has the cheaper entry price — about $20.00/mo less. GLM (Zhipu AI) starts at Free (chat + Flash API), while ChatGPT starts at $20/mo (Plus).
Does GLM (Zhipu AI) or ChatGPT have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. GLM (Zhipu AI): Free chat at chat.z.ai. GLM-4.5-Flash and GLM-4.7-Flash are free on the API. ChatGPT: Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps.
Is GLM (Zhipu AI) or ChatGPT better for beginners?
GLM (Zhipu AI) tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai chat assistants needs.
Which is better for teams?
ChatGPT is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.