Tool review · Generative AI

GPT-5 review

GPT-5 is a large language model from OpenAI. Its strengths are largest deployment surface area (ChatGPT user base); strong general-purpose model across modalities. The main caution: higher API cost at high reasoning effort. It has been superseded by a newer release, so compare it with current options before adopting it.

What it is

Legacy model, superseded by GPT-6 Astra, Sol and Luna. OpenAI's headline model for 2025-2026. Multi-modal native (text, image, audio in/out), strong on reasoning and code. Default for ChatGPT Plus / Team subscribers. Pricing tiered with reasoning effort.

Key features

  • Multi-modal native (text + image + audio)
  • Reasoning effort levels (low / medium / high)
  • Native function-calling and structured outputs
  • Available via ChatGPT, API, Azure
  • Strong on code generation benchmarks

Pros

  • Largest deployment surface area (ChatGPT user base)
  • Strong general-purpose model across modalities
  • Reasoning-effort dial gives cost / quality control

Cons

  • Higher API cost at high reasoning effort
  • Behavior changes between minor versions can break workflows
  • Hallucination on long-tail factual queries persists

Pricing

GPT-5 is priced by usage rather than by seat: API: $1.25 in / $10 out per M tokens. That means cost scales with how much text you send and receive, so estimate your monthly volume before committing.

How to get started

Start with one real task you already do each week, give the model the full context, and compare the result with your usual output before changing your workflow. Keep sensitive client or patient data out of consumer chat apps unless your organization has approved the plan.

Alternatives to consider

  • ChatGPT (OpenAI, $20/mo): OpenAI's flagship conversational AI.
  • Claude (Anthropic, $20/mo): Anthropic's assistant, known for long-context reasoning, careful writing, and safety-aware outputs.
  • Claude Fable 5 (Anthropic, API: $10 in / $50 out per M tokens): Claude Fable 5 is a premium-tier Claude model priced above Opus, aimed at the hardest professional and technical work.
  • Claude Fable 5.1 (Anthropic, API: $10 in / $50 out per M tokens): Claude Fable 5.1 is Anthropic's premium generally available model, priced above Opus and built for the hardest reasoning, coding and analysis tasks.
  • Claude Haiku 4.5 (Anthropic, API: $1 in / $5 out per M tokens): Claude Haiku 4.5 is Anthropic's fast, low-cost model at $1 and $5 per million tokens.

Frequently asked questions

What is GPT-5?

Legacy model, superseded by GPT-6 Astra, Sol and Luna. OpenAI's headline model for 2025-2026.

How much does GPT-5 cost?

GPT-5 is priced by usage rather than by seat: API: $1.25 in / $10 out per M tokens. That means cost scales with how much text you send and receive, so estimate your monthly volume before committing.

Is there a free version of GPT-5?

GPT-5 does not currently list a permanent free tier. Look for a trial or a low-cost plan to test it on real work first.

What are the alternatives to GPT-5?

Comparable generative ai options we review include ChatGPT, Claude, Claude Fable 5 and Claude Fable 5.1. Read each review to compare pricing, strengths and limits.

Independent review by the AI by Career editorial team. Last reviewed September 2026. No paid placement or affiliate influence; see our editorial policy.