Do leaders need to pay for ChatGPT? (Updated for October 2025)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been both fascinated and slightly overwhelmed by how quickly ChatGPT keeps evolving. The version I first started experimenting with feels almost quaint now. I still remember writing prompts into GPT-4 and thinking, “This is incredible.” Fast forward to now, and GPT-5 has taken things to an entirely new level.

What I love most about this evolution is how it keeps stretching what’s possible. Between smarter reasoning, deeper context understanding, new voice and image capabilities, and tools like Deep Research, ChatGPT has gone from being a clever assistant to something closer to a thinking partner.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth paying for the premium version, or how the free version compares these days, here’s what I’ve found after plenty of experimenting (and a few too many late-night prompt sessions).

What’s new in ChatGPT-5

• Adaptive thinking: GPT-5 automatically adjusts how “hard” it thinks based on your request. You can also toggle between quick or deep responses.

• Better context and coherence: It can follow longer, more complex conversations without losing the thread.

• Smarter research: With Deep Research, the model can now browse and synthesise current web information, not just recall old data.

• Multimodal magic: You can use images, voice, and text together in a single conversation.

• Flexible plans: OpenAI has introduced more nuanced tiers – Free, Plus, Pro, and Team – each offering different levels of access and capability.

Free vs Paid: What really changes

If you’re using the free version of ChatGPT, you still get access to GPT-5 for lighter use, but you’ll hit limits more quickly. The paid plans open up more power, consistency, and flexibility. Here’s what changes:

Access to GPT-5

• Free: You can use GPT-5, but with limited depth and shorter sessions.

• Paid: More consistent access and longer, uninterrupted use.

Thinking-time toggle

• Free: Restricted or unavailable.

• Paid: You can choose between fast or deep thinking depending on your task.

Deep Research tool

• Free: Light or unavailable access.

• Paid: Larger quota and full access to the model’s research capabilities.

Voice, image, and multimodal tools

• Free: Basic access to voice and image uploads.

• Paid: Enhanced functionality and faster processing.

Context window (conversation length)

• Free: Better suited for shorter chats and quick prompts.

• Paid: Handles long projects and detailed conversations with ease.

Speed and performance

• Free: Standard response times.

• Paid: Faster, smoother, and prioritised performance during busy times.

If you’re using ChatGPT for quick ideas, rewriting emails, or simple planning tasks, the free version will serve you well. But if you rely on it for deeper work – strategy development, content creation, or complex problem-solving – the paid plans offer noticeably more power and consistency.

In my own testing, I’ve found:

• The newer models are more coherent and thoughtful, especially in long conversations.

• The “thinking time” toggle helps me choose between fast brainstorming and more reflective responses.

• Deep Research saves hours when exploring topics that need up-to-date or synthesised information.

That said, even with all these improvements, your human touch still matters. ChatGPT can process information, but it can’t replicate your voice, intuition, or empathy. And it still gets a lot of instructions, or facts, wrong. The best results still come when you collaborate with it, rather than letting it run solo.

So, is it worth paying for? It depends on how you use it. If you’re using ChatGPT casually, stay with the free plan for now. But if you’re using it as a genuine thinking partner – to research, plan, write, or create at a deeper level – the paid version is absolutely worth it.

The truth is, the technology will keep evolving. What matters most isn’t which plan you’re on, but how intentionally you’re using it to expand your thinking, save time, and make your work (and life) a little easier.