I've been using ChatGPT Plus for a while now, and while $20 per month initially felt a bit steep for an AI subscription, I do think it's worth the upgrade. The free version handles basic tasks well, but the paid tier unlocks capabilities that feel like having access to completely different tools.
After using both extensively, I've found some Plus features really justify the monthly outlay. Whether the upgrade makes sense depends on how you actually use AI tools and what you're trying to accomplish.
Here's why I personally find the subscription worthwhile and which features deliver the most practical value.
1. Create videos with Sora
ChatGPT Plus subscribers get exclusive access to Sora, OpenAI's text-to-video model. You can create videos from text descriptions, still images, or existing video clips. This feature isn't available to free users at all. It's one of the best AI video generators, and being able to use it makes ChatGPT even more valuable.
Generate videos by typing in your prompt and Sora produces short clips that match your description. If you'd like some inspiration on the type of things you can create using Sora, here's some must-try prompts. You can adjust duration, speed, aspect ratio, and other technical specifications to customize the output.
You can also use the Storyboard feature to create video sequences by describing each scene or action. This allows for more complex storytelling and structured video content that goes beyond single-concept clips.
2. Access comprehensive Deep Research mode
Plus subscribers get the full version of Deep Research, which provides more thorough web browsing and analysis than the lightweight version available to free users. The difference in depth and quality is significant for complex topics.
Deep Research browses multiple sources and compiles detailed reports on your requested topics, complete with citations and structured analysis. The process can take several minutes but produces comprehensive research summaries.
You could, for example, use this feature for professional projects, academic research, or detailed market analysis where surface-level information isn't sufficient.
To access Deep Research, click the plus button '+' and select Deep Research, then go ahead and type in your query as normal.
3. Control GPT-5's response modes
You can choose how GPT-5 processes your requests instead of letting the AI decide automatically. Free users get whatever response mode the AI selects, while Plus subscribers can specify their preferred approach.
Select from multiple response modes including the standard response Instant for quick answers and Thinking for comprehensive responses with deeper reasoning processes visible.
This control is particularly valuable for complex queries where you know whether you need a quick answer or detailed analysis. It eliminates the frustration of getting overly brief responses when you need depth, or lengthy explanations when you want quick facts.
4. Build and publish your own GPTs
With ChatGPT Plus you can ceate specialized chatbots tailored to specific tasks or knowledge domains using ChatGPT's GPT builder tool. Free users can only use existing GPTs from the store, not create their own.
If you'd like others to use your custom GPTs, you can actually publish them to OpenAI's GPT store. You can also keep them private for personal or team use.
You can make all kinds of things ranging from websites to your own applications. For a great look at how much of a game-changer this is, check out our AI Editor Amanda's achievement — she built five websites in under an hour.
5. Use Agent mode for automated tasks
Agent mode allows ChatGPT to complete multi-step tasks with minimal supervision, such as setting reminders, scheduling appointments, or interacting with websites to gather information or complete actions.
While still limited by website compatibility and security restrictions, the agent successfully handles supported tasks with minimal supervision. The technology clearly has massive potential as more services integrate with AI agents.
Even in its current form, agent mode saves time on routine tasks that involve navigating multiple websites or applications. The convenience factor alone makes it worthwhile for users who frequently handle administrative or research tasks.
Is the upgrade actually worth it?
If you occasionally ask ChatGPT simple questions, the free version suffices. But for creative work, research projects, or professional applications, Plus provides genuinely useful capabilities.
I initially hesitated about the monthly cost but found the time savings and creative possibilities quickly justified the expense. The subscription pays for itself when you regularly use the features for meaningful work.
Consider your typical AI usage patterns before upgrading. If you find yourself frustrated by free version limitations or regularly needing the advanced features I've described, subscribing to Plus likely makes sense.
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