AI Chat Assistants · Pricing comparison
Qwen (Alibaba) vs ChatGPT: Pricing
Qwen (Alibaba) 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
Qwen (Alibaba) is the cheaper option ($20.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, ChatGPT rates slightly higher.
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Qwen (Alibaba) vs ChatGPT: side-by-side
| Feature | Qwen (Alibaba) | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Chat Assistants | AI Chat Assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | 1M free tokens per model for 90 days. Flash models are extremely cheap ($0.15/1M input). | Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps. |
| Starting price | Free (1M tokens/90 days) | $20/mo (Plus) |
| Highest known plan | $80/mo (Token Plan Pro) | $200/mo (Pro) |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Developers who want cheap, capable models with no peak/off-peak complexity | Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Qwen (Alibaba) uses a freemium model, starting at Free (1M tokens/90 days). 1M free tokens per model for 90 days. Flash $0.15/$0.47, Plus $0.40/$1.60 (promo), Max $2/$6 per 1M tokens. Token Plan: Lite $8/mo, Standard $25/mo, Pro $80/mo. Batch API 50% off. Its free plan: 1M free tokens per model for 90 days. Flash models are extremely cheap ($0.15/1M input).
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, Qwen (Alibaba) wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
Qwen (Alibaba): pros and cons
Pros
- Extremely cheap Flash tier
- No time-of-day billing
- Open-weight flagship at same price
- Works with Claude Code, Cursor
Cons
- Free quota expires after 90 days
- Promo rates may revert
- Regional pricing differences
- Many model versions to track
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: Qwen (Alibaba) — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: ChatGPT.
- Qwen (Alibaba) is best for: Developers who want cheap, capable models with no peak/off-peak complexity.
- ChatGPT is best for: Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
Verdict
On price alone, Qwen (Alibaba) is the value pick at Free (1M tokens/90 days). ChatGPT edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose Qwen (Alibaba) if you want developers who want cheap, capable models with no peak/off-peak complexity, and ChatGPT if you want anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
Qwen (Alibaba) vs ChatGPT FAQ
Which is cheaper, Qwen (Alibaba) or ChatGPT?
Qwen (Alibaba) has the cheaper entry price — about $20.00/mo less. Qwen (Alibaba) starts at Free (1M tokens/90 days), while ChatGPT starts at $20/mo (Plus).
Does Qwen (Alibaba) or ChatGPT have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. Qwen (Alibaba): 1M free tokens per model for 90 days. Flash models are extremely cheap ($0.15/1M input). ChatGPT: Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps.
Is Qwen (Alibaba) or ChatGPT better for beginners?
Qwen (Alibaba) 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.