OpenAI pricing: Features explained and how they built it

OpenAI powers AI development for millions of users worldwide. The platform manages complex infrastructure usage behind the scenes, including compute cycles, API calls, token processing, and model completions.

The platform uses flexible billing to monetize that usage. This guide breaks down how OpenAI structures its pricing, why usage-based models are taking over, and how Orb helps power modern billing systems.

Note: For the most up-to-date pricing, check OpenAI's official pricing page. Plan details may change over time.

What are the OpenAI pricing plans? 

OpenAI's pricing models and subscription plans include several main options: Free, Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. These options cover a wide range of users, from individual developers to large organizations. This guide compares all OpenAI subscription plans.

1. Free Plan

The OpenAI free plan is for beginners and individuals who want to explore AI without paying. With the Free plan, you can:

• Get limited access to the flagship model GPT‑5.
• Use search for real‑time web results.
• Try file uploads, voice, and image tools.
• Use GPTs that others have made.

The Free plan allows you to learn about AI, build simple projects, and experience ChatGPT's interface and capabilities.

2. ChatGPT Plus

If you’re comparing ChatGPT pricing plans, Plus is the $20/month option for power users. ChatGPT Plus is for individual users who need more power and features. With ChatGPT Plus, you can:

• Get extended limits and access during peak times.
• Use voice mode with video and screensharing.
• Access to deep research and multiple reasoning models.
• Create custom GPTs. Use the GPT Builder to try new features. This plan and all the higher-tier plans come with the GPT Builder.

ChatGPT Plus provides the tools and resources needed for more demanding projects and professional use.

3. ChatGPT Pro

ChatGPT Pro is for researchers, engineers, and professionals with intensive AI needs. The OpenAI price for this tier is $200 per month. With ChatGPT Pro, you get:

• Higher limits across features (voice, video, screensharing).
• Unlimited access to 5 different OpenAI models for different purposes.
• Access to 5 Pro for the hardest problems.
• Extended access to ChatGPT agent (Operator capabilities are now integrated into ChatGPT agents.).
• Deep research, with up to 250 queries/month.
• Early access to new features and model previews.

ChatGPT Pro provides research-grade intelligence for professionals who need the most powerful AI capabilities available.

4. ChatGPT Business

ChatGPT Business is designed for businesses and teams. Business plans are available starting at 2 users. (Note: Previously known as OpenAI Teams pricing, this has been rebranded as ChatGPT Business.). With ChatGPT Business, your team can:

• Access everything in ChatGPT Plus.
• Get a dedicated workspace with admin controls, SAML SSO, and MFA.
• Have their data excluded from training by default.
• Get business features such as data analysis, canvas, projects, tasks, custom workspace GPTs, and deep research.
• Access connectors to Google Drive, SharePoint, GitHub, Notion, and more.
• Get access to Codex and ChatGPT agent.

ChatGPT Business makes it easy for organizations to adopt ChatGPT subscription plans as their primary AI platform, with enterprise-level security while maintaining flexibility for smaller teams.

5. ChatGPT Enterprise

ChatGPT Enterprise has no published seat minimum. Contact sales for custom pricing.

The Enterprise plan includes:

• Everything in ChatGPT Business
• Enterprise‑grade security and compliance
• SCIM, role‑based access controls, analytics, and domain verification
• Custom data retention; data residency options
• Priority support, SLAs, and custom legal terms
• Expanded limits and the option to purchase credits for more access

OpenAI API pricing

Developers can integrate OpenAI's models into their applications through APIs, with costs based on usage. API pricing is billed per token, where tokens are mathematical representations of natural language. The OpenAI pricing for these models varies by capability and usage volume. Current API pricing includes:

• Various GPT models with different pricing tiers
• Image models where outputs cost approximately $0.01 (low), $0.04 (medium), and $0.17 (high) for square images
• Web search content tokens that are free for some models, but billed at standard rates for other models 
• Audio processing capabilities through specialized models

Note: Tokens are billed at the chosen language model's input and output rates. Approximately 1,000 tokens equals about 750 words. API usage is billed separately from ChatGPT subscriptions.

Educational and nonprofit pricing

OpenAI offers special pricing for qualifying organizations:

• Larger nonprofits can get a 25% to 50% discount on ChatGPT Enterprise.
• Nonprofits can access a 20% discount on OpenAI team pricing (ChatGPT Business at $20 per month per user for annual plans).
• ChatGPT Edu provides advanced capabilities for universities with specialized pricing.

This flexible approach to OpenAI pricing allows individuals and teams to tailor their plans to their specific needs and budgets. You can start with a basic plan and upgrade as needed, ensuring you only pay for what you use.

Note: Want to learn about pricing AI agents? Check out this free eBook on the topic. There's also a how-to guide on implementing AI agent pricing with Orb. For more insights on bridging pricing gaps in AI products, read Bridging the Pricing Gap.

Remember: Pricing, plans, and features are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to OpenAI's official pricing page. Users can pick the OpenAI pricing plan that fits their needs at the moment of purchasing it and upgrade only when usage grows.

Key elements of the OpenAI plans and their pricing approach

OpenAI's pricing model combines free access with premium tiers and usage-based components. The structure includes several distinct components:

• Free tier availability. OpenAI’s Free plan includes basic functionality at no cost, with limited access to GPT‑5, search, and file/voice/image tools (with limits).
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• Multiple pricing tiers. OpenAI offers Plus for individual users, Pro for professionals, Business for collaborative work, and customizable Enterprise plans. Tiered plans allow organizations to cater to different user segments and their specific needs.
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• Value-based tier differentiation. Higher tiers include increased model access, priority processing, and advanced features. For example, Pro provides unlimited access to more models and Advanced Voice compared to the limited access in Plus.
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• Usage-based API pricing. API services operate on token-based pricing, separate from subscription plans. OpenAI model pricing ensures organizations pay based on actual consumption, making it scalable for various use cases.
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• Transparent pricing presentation. OpenAI's pricing page displays costs, features, and limitations for each plan and API service clearly.
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• Annual billing options. Business offers a published annual discount ($25/seat/month billed annually vs $30 billed monthly). Enterprise pricing isn’t published; contact sales.

Note: To understand how AI-powered SaaS companies approach pricing strategies, read this AI SaaS pricing guide. Discover practical examples of building AI pricing models in this guide: OpenAI Credits Model in 100 Lines of Code.

Why do companies like OpenAI adopt usage-based billing?

For companies building AI platforms and developer tools, flat-rate subscription billing often isn't sufficient. OpenAI, for example, offers products with variable infrastructure costs, including API calls, token processing, and model completions.

These create cost structures that align perfectly with usage-based pricing models. Here's why usage-based billing makes sense for OpenAI:

• Costs scale with usage. Each API call or model completion creates real computational expense. Usage-based pricing ensures costs align with actual resource consumption.
• Value varies by customer. One user might process millions of tokens while another uses minimal resources. Usage-based billing reflects actual value delivered.
• Infrastructure demands fluctuate. AI workloads often surge during development, testing, or production deployments. Flexible billing handles these variations transparently.

OpenAI now uses a hybrid pricing model combining predictable subscriptions with usage-based components. This lets them evolve their product quickly, support new AI workflows, and maintain transparent billing for both customers and internal teams.

Note: Learn more about how to approach your AI pricing strategy with insights from industry leaders.

Why is usage-based billing becoming the default?

GenAI platforms, developer tools, infrastructure companies, and many SaaS businesses are moving away from traditional subscription billing. According to the 2025 State of AI Agent Pricing, usage-based models are becoming the default because they allow companies to:

• Align pricing with cost and value. Companies ensure fairness across their customer base without subsidizing heavy users.
• Protect margins at scale. By scaling revenue with costs, companies can achieve profitability despite variable-cost workloads. Tools like threshold billing and prepaid credits also give companies more control over when they recognize revenue.
• Support diverse customer profiles. Different usage levels, team structures, and product tiers can have flexible pricing.

Companies need more than bolt-on billing logic. They need infrastructure purpose-built for usage-based monetization.

Note: For insights on prepaid credits in AI pricing, check out An AI Founder's Guide to Prepaid Credits.

Learn how Orb supports usage-based billing

Orb is a done-for-you billing platform that empowers businesses like Perplexity and Vercel to build sophisticated pricing models. We handle the complexities of usage-based pricing, giving you the tools to build a model that grows with your business.

Orb can help you implement any type of flexible pricing strategy you need:

• Usage tracking: Orb ingests raw event data and tracks every raw event at scale with high accuracy. Get a full audit trail for every invoice.
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• Multiple pricing tiers: Orb gives you the ability to set up different pricing plans, allowing you to serve a wide range of customer needs. Whether you're offering free access, premium plans, or custom tiers, we've got you covered.
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• Detailed insights for better pricing: Leverage your usage data to find patterns and fine-tune your pricing. Orb turns raw data into actionable insights through granular reporting, helping you build pricing with confidence.
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• Test pricing changes risk-free: Run Orb Simulations on historical data to preview revenue and usage outcomes before launch. Orb enables forecasting so that finance and product teams make more informed decisions.
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• Custom billing solutions: With the Orb SQL Editor and a visual editor, you can evolve your pricing without rewriting code. Pricing and billing changes don’t require engineering.
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• Integrated with your tech stack: Orb works with the tools you're already using. Orb integrates with your data warehouses, accounting software, and developer tools for billing workflows that make financial operations run more efficiently.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your pricing? Discover how Orb can help build a pricing engine that covers your specific needs. Explore our flexible pricing options to find the perfect plan for your needs and get started.