As of August 2026, Open AI announced that free and Go tier users can send unlimited text chats starting the week of August 10. However, separate limits remain for image generation, file uploads, and other features.

Free accounts are limited to a single model: GPT-5.6 Luna, the smallest in the GPT-5.6 family. Access to GPT-5.6 Terra and Sol requires a subscription. The reasoning mode is available but without a slider. The Library has a 500MB limit for files and images. Voice mode defaults to the smaller Live-1 mini model. Codex and Work tools are available but usage is limited.

Rate limits are not publicly shared; users have a single weekly limit visible in Settings. Features with separate limits include file uploads, image generation, Deep Research, voice mode, Codex, and Work. Context window and memory are also more limited.

Free users may see ads in a sponsored section below the chatbot's response, but not for sensitive topics. By default, Open AI uses free account data for model training; users can opt out via Settings > Data Controls.