Side vs ChatGPT: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Side and ChatGPT comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. Pick Side if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Side
Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (ChatGPT requires payment)
ChatGPT
Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop
Best for you if:
- • People who will stay on Luna for everyday chat, or pay $20 for Sol (or $100+ for Sol Pro)
| At a Glance | Side | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | AI Assistants Productivity | AI Assistants Productivity |
Rating | n/a | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 2,958 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Go does not unlock Sol. You are paying for limits, not the flagship model. |
Choose Side or ChatGPT?
Choose Side if
- You want a fully free tool (ChatGPT requires payment)
- You want quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow
- You want bring-your-own-provider approach means you control costs and data
Choose ChatGPT if
- People who will stay on Luna for everyday chat, or pay $20 for Sol (or $100+ for Sol Pro)
- You want free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model
- You want unlimited everyday text on Free/Go (abuse guardrails). Think is there if the question is hard
In-Depth Analysis
Side
Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away
Strengths
- Pro: Quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow
- Pro: Bring-your-own-provider approach means you control costs and data
- Pro: Lightweight, unobtrusive interface that lives beside the Dock
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires your own AI provider account and may incur usage charges
- Con: Limited to text chat; doesn't read your screen or run shell commands
Key features
ChatGPT
Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop
The model split is the real product now, not the $20 sticker.
Watch out
Go does not unlock Sol. You are paying for limits, not the flagship model.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model
- Pro: Unlimited everyday text on Free/Go (abuse guardrails). Think is there if the question is hard
- Pro: Plus folds Instant and Thinking into one model plus a slider, so you are not picking legacy names
- Pro: Pro offers enough usage to unlock the flagship model without paying the highest tier
Weaknesses
- Con: Free and Go never get the advanced flagship model in standard chat. Think is still a standard model, not the flagship.
- Con: The current rivals are advanced models. Older models are leftover API SKUs
- Con: Standard and basic models are not in the regular chat picker. They live in Work, Codex, or the API
- Con: Go, Plus, and Pro have no annual billing
- Con: Older models leave Codex (ChatGPT login) soon; switch to the current models
Key features
Pricing: Side vs ChatGPT
| Plan | Side | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $8 month Go |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $20 month Plus |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $100 month Pro 5x |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $200 month Pro 20x |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $20 month Business |
| Tier 7 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Side pricing and ChatGPT pricing.
Key Takeaways
ChatGPT
- Higher rating: 4.5/5 vs 0.0
- More user reviews (2)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Side
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. That said, Side is free, hard to beat on price.
What Users Say
ChatGPT Reviews
Utility player AI that falls behind Claude for article creation
Probably the best I've used at doing many tasks good to pretty well. It can do thought partnership, pivot to an image creation task, do deep research and attempt a joke to keep things light.
Great tool
Great tool to make your life easier and get things done faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Side or ChatGPT better in 2026?
ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. ChatGPT is rated 4.5/5 on Toolradar reviews. Pick Side for AI assistants workflows (main strength: quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow). Pick ChatGPT for AI assistants workflows (main strength: free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model).
What are Side and ChatGPT used for?
Side: Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away. ChatGPT: Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop.
What does Side cost vs ChatGPT?
Side is free. ChatGPT's paid plans start at Free (Go).
What's the main difference between Side and ChatGPT?
Side's main strength: quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow. ChatGPT's main strength: free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model.