Which ChatGPT to use? How to choose the right model
Chances are you've tried ChatGPT at some point by now. But if you really want to make a go of AI, the question soon arises: which ChatGPT is actually best to use? Is the free model enough, or do you get much more out of your time with a paid account? And did you know there are other models too, such as Gemini and Claude?
We're happy to give you a clear overview. From free to paid, from work to personal, and from standard chat to your own custom-trained GPT. So you know exactly which ChatGPT is best to use for your situation.
Free versus paid ChatGPT account
If you use ChatGPT for free, you work with GPT-3.5. Fine for simple questions, short texts or brainstorms. But if you want more complex output or want to use AI for work processes, for example, the difference with GPT-4o, o1 or o3 mini (the newest model) is big.
With a ChatGPT Plus account (€20 per month) you get access to:
- GPT-4o (faster, more accurate, better at reasoning)
- Memory function (your chats are remembered per session)
- Interaction with images, tables and documents
- Access to GPTs: customised versions for specific tasks
Important to know:
With a paid account you can manage data options. You can prevent your input from being used to train future models, something companies increasingly value.
With a paid account you can manage data options. You can prevent your input from being used to train future models, something companies increasingly value.
We are not affiliated with OpenAI, and give these recommendations purely on the basis of experience.
What do you want to use ChatGPT for?
The right version of ChatGPT depends mainly on what you want to do with it.
Below you'll see a few scenarios:
For work
Do you use ChatGPT for work? Then think of GPT-4o via a Plus account. With it you can analyse documents, summarise meetings or make a first draft for reports or emails.
For content creation
Then you'll get a lot out of the memory and your own GPTs. That way you can give the model fixed formats, tone of voice and sources straight away. GPT-3.5 is limited here. GPT-4o gives you more control and quality.
For project management or planning
Want to generate to-dos, structure meetings or map out work processes? Then GPT-4o is the better choice, possibly with integrations in Notion, ClickUp or Slack.
For data analysis or creating an overview
ChatGPT Plus with GPT-4o can analyse CSV files, summarise tables and find connections that you'd quickly overlook yourself.
In all these scenarios the same applies: the difference between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4o is not a detail, it determines how usable your output ultimately is.
Did you know there are alternatives to ChatGPT too?
Besides ChatGPT there are other strong Large Language Models you can use, depending on your working environment and goals:
- Gemini (Google) – Do you work a lot in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets)? Then Gemini is a logical choice. The integration with Google products is deep and handy for real-time collaboration.
- Claude (Anthropic) – Claude has been developed with a strong focus on ethics, privacy and transparency. The model is good at working with long texts, explaining its choices and processing documents in a human way.
For some organisations, Claude or Gemini is a better fit than GPT, especially when compliance or collaboration within Google is a key concern.
Existing AI assistants or building your own model
What many people don't know is that you can work with GPTs within ChatGPT. These are AI assistants that have been pre-trained for specific tasks. Think of:
- Brainstorm buddies
- CV helpers
- Code assistants
- SEO analysis tools
But you can also build your own GPT. That way you train an AI model that:
- Uses your tone of voice
- Takes your target audience or style into account
- Is familiar with internal processes, formats and knowledge
At BE Digital, this is our speciality. We build AI assistants that truly fit how your company works and communicates.
What we can do for you
Choosing the right ChatGPT is one thing. Setting it up and implementing it properly is something else. That is where we help.
With the BE Digital scan we map out:
- Which version or model fits your organisation best
- Where GPTs add value in your work processes
- How to integrate AI safely and smartly within your team
- Which tasks you can automate without losing control
That way we build a smart AI strategy together that genuinely moves you forward. Request the BE Digital scan and discover where you can work smarter with AI as early as tomorrow.