Confused with the bar at the top of ChatGPT?
You may be wondering…
What is ChatGPT-3, 3.5, 4? What does all that mean?
In this guide, we’ll answer all of your concerns.
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Let’s check it out, step by step.
What are ChatGPT models?
ChatGPT models are machine learning models designed to generate human-like text based on the data they’ve been trained on.
The better the model, the better and more useful the response.
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The idea is to:
- Feed the model some input text
- And it will generate a relevant and coherent response
It’s not just spitting out memorized answers — it’s generating text based on the patterns it’s learned.
That’s why we train ChatGPT with custom data.
How to select a model in ChatGPT
You can select a model in ChatGPT by starting a new chat, clicking on the bar at the top, and selecting your preferred model.
Note: ChatGPT doesn’t allow you to change the model mid-conversation. You have to start over if you want to change the model.
Below is the step-by-step process to select a model.
1. Open ChatGPT
The 2 most popular scenarios are:
- You’re already in ChatGPT → Then you have to start a new conversation
- You’re not there yet → Open the app by going to chat.openai.com
That is the official ChatGPT address.
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Simply open a new conversation and don’t send am message just yet.
2. See your Models
At the top of the page, you’ll see these two buttons:
- GPT-3.5
- GPT-4
Hover your mouse on them — they tell information about the model you’re currently using.
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If you hover above GPT-3.5, it will say:
“Our fastest model, great for most every day tasks.”
– OpenAI
This is available Free and Plus users.
However, if you have ChatGPT Plus, you can also access GPT-4.
Let’s see how to do it.
3. Change models
- GPT-3.5 is a single model
- GPT-4 has a few plugins
Simply click on the Model/Plugin you want to use
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- Click on the model you want to use.
- Get back to the “Send a message” box.
- Start chatting.
ChatGPT will tell you which model you’re using once you send a message.
You can use GPT-4 plugins only if you’re a Plus subscriber.
How do you know which model you’re using?
- You’ll notice a bar at the top — it goes away when scrolling down
- You can even ask ChatGPT which
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In this example, we’re using the “regular” GPT-4 model.
Not plugins, just the GPT-4 version for most purpose.
The different ChatGPT models
Currently, there are 6 available ChatGPT models: GPT-3.5, Default GPT-4, Bing, Advanced Data Analysis, Plugins, and DALL-E 3.
Below is a list of all the models by OpenAI, ChatGPT’s maker:
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- You can access the official ChatGPT-models list right here.
- However, that is not entirely detailed
That’s why we’ll explain all of these right now, in simple words.
1. GPT-3.5
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Pros
- Smart: Uses top-notch tech to understand language.
- Multi-Tasker: Does a lot—writes, summarizes, translates.
- Easy to Use: Friendly for both coders and regular folks.
Cons
- Needs Power: Eats up a lot of computer juice.
- Not Human: Lacks real understanding and feelings.
- Can Be Biased: Might say stuff that’s touchy.
Pricing
- Free: Limited use at zero cost.
- Plans: Monthly fees for more use.
- Pay Up: Cost based on how much you use it.
Features
- Fills in Text: You start, it finishes.
- Speaks Many Languages: Not just English.
- Tweakable: Coders can fine-tune its skills.
2. GPT-4: Default
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Pros
- Smarter: Even better at understanding and generating text.
- More Versatile: Wider range of tasks, even more accurate.
- Context King: Grasps longer conversations and deeper topics.
Cons
- Power Hungry: Needs even more computing oomph.
- Still No Feelings: It’s smart, but not emotionally savvy.
- Touchy Topics: Still risks saying sensitive stuff.
Pricing
- Paid: You need to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus.
- Tiered Plans: Pay more, get more.
- Volume Pricing: Big users, bigger bills.
Features
- Better Text: Upgraded text completion and generation.
- Multi-Lingual: More languages supported.
- Fine-Tune: Even more customizable by devs.
3. GPT-4: Browse with Bing
Also known as: ChatGPT Web Browsing.
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Pros
- Web-Savvy: Can browse the web for real-time info.
- Up-to-Date: Delivers current data and sources.
- Smart and Efficient: Same GPT-4 smarts, plus web browsing.
Cons
- Resource Hog: Even more computer power needed.
- Trust Factor: Web info isn’t always reliable.
- Complexity: More features, steeper learning curve.
Pricing
- Basic Free: Some browsing at zero cost.
- Premium Tiers: More browsing, more bucks.
- Data-Driven: Pay based on web data used.
Features
- Web Browse: Pulls in current web info.
- Cite Sources: Gives you the where from.
- Still Tweakable: Devs can still fine-tune it.
4. GPT-4: Advanced Data Analysis
Previously known as “Code Interpreter”.
Note: We’ve also got a guide on how to use Advanced Data Analysis (model).
Let’s get back to the description, though.
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Pros
- Data Pro: Crushes data analysis tasks.
- Insightful: Generates valuable insights from raw data.
- Integrated: Works well with databases and spreadsheets.
Cons
- Even More Power: Seriously, you’ll need a beefy setup.
- Accuracy: Good but not a substitute for expert analysis.
- Cost: Advanced features mean a heftier price tag.
Pricing
- Not Free: This one’s for serious users, so it’ll cost you.
- Package Deals: Bundled with other GPT-4 services.
- High Roller: Premium pricing for top-tier data work.
Features
- Data Crunch: Analyzes big data sets.
- Smart Reports: Auto-generates summaries and insights.
- DB Sync: Can link up with your databases.
5. GPT-4: Plugins
Note: We also have a guide for how to use ChatGPT Plugins.
First, let’s see what this model does first.
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Pros
- Plug ‘n Play: Easily add features through plugins.
- Adaptable: Make it what you want with custom code.
- Expandable: Keep adding capabilities as needed.
Cons
- Complicated: More moving parts, more to learn.
- Resource Intense: As always, needs a strong setup.
- Cost Variance: Each plugin could add to the price.
Pricing
- Base Cost: Pay for the core model first.
- Plugin Fees: Extra charge for specialized plugins.
- Bundle Up: Discounts for multiple plugins.
Features
- Modular: Add features via plugins.
- Custom Code: Inject your own logic.
- Feature-Rich: The sky’s the limit, really.
6. GPT-4: DALL·E 3
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Pros
- Art Genius: Creates jaw-dropping visual art from text.
- Super Versatile: From doodles to masterpieces, it does it.
- Quick: Gets you results in a snap.
Cons
- High Demand: Eats up even more resources than text models.
- IP Issues: Could tread on copyrights or originality.
- Expensive: High-quality art doesn’t come cheap.
Pricing
- Not Free: Expect to open your wallet for this one.
- Tier System: Pay more, get more art.
- Bulk Rates: Discounts for mass creations.
Features
- Text-to-Art: Give it words, get back pictures.
- Variety: Styles, formats, you name it.
- Real-Time: Instant art creation on demand.
Sounds exciting? Read our guide on how to make images with ChatGPT.
7. Custom GPT
Did you know you can also create a customized GPT model?
Meaning, you can make your own ChatGPT and have it behave the way you want it to.
Read the full story: How to make your own GPT
Here’s what it looks like:
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You can add a custom profile picture, name, and response settings.
However, you’ll need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus for this
Conclusion
You’ve just learned the differences between ChatGPT’s models — from free to paid.
The best part about GPT-4: You don’t need to pay to use any of the other models.
They’re all included in the GPT-4 model.
Learn how to become more productive with our guides on how to use AI.
Thank you for reading this,
Ch David and Daniel