In short
How they differ.
Worked out from the makers' own pages, read Oct 20, 2026. Prices change; check before you pay.
- Both have a free plan.
- ChatGPT also has a web and phone app and computer app.
- ChatGPT shipped an update more recently (Oct 16, 2026).
Side by side
The details.
| ChatGPT | Doubao | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI · United States | ByteDance · China |
| What it says it is | “Try ChatGPT Plus and unlock advanced intelligence that goes beyond answering questions to get things done for you.” | “While Doubao's basic version will remain free to meet users' simple needs” |
| Free plan | YesFree: "Unlimited text chats with GPT-6"; "Limited messages with uploads", "Limited image creation", "Limited deep research", "Limited memory and context". | YesAFP (2026-06-25): "Free users will be able to use basic search functions, but face limits in video and image generation." |
| Plans | Free: freeGo: $8 a monthPlus: $20 a monthPro: $100 a monthBusiness: $25 a month | Free (basic): freeStandard: not in US$Enhanced: not in US$Professional: not in US$ |
| Runs on | web, desktop, mobile | Not stated |
| Latest update | Create and collaborate on slides in ChatGPT, Oct 16, 2026 | ByteDance rolls out paid subscriptions for China's largest AI chatbot (AFP), Jun 25, 2026 |
| Its terms | “When you use our services for individuals (Free, Plus, Pro), we may use your content to train our models.”What it does with your data · OpenAI Help Center: How your data is used to improve model performance | — |
| Disputes | None on file | None on file |
| Sources | Prices, Oct 20, 2026 · Description · company-reported | Prices, May 5, 2026 · Description · news-reported |
More comparisons