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ChatGPT Pro 500 is the most expensive individual plan OpenAI has launched so far: $500 a month, about SAR 1,875. The company announced it on 29 September 2026 alongside Pro 100 and Pro 200. Its exclusive feature is Ultrafast, a faster mode for GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Sol, together with the highest usage allowance of the three plans. The same day, Pro 200 reopened to new subscribers at the same price but with a lower allowance, while existing subscribers keep their previous allowance until 29 October 2026. The widely quoted "25x" figure has not been published by OpenAI. In our view, this is the start of more expensive AI subscriptions for heavy users.
What is ChatGPT Pro 500?
According to OpenAI's official help page, Pro is now three monthly plans: Pro 100 at $100, Pro 200 at $200 and Pro 500 at $500. All three share the same base: Pro models, Codex, deep research, image creation, memory and file uploads. The Pro plan page adds features such as Pro reasoning powered by GPT-6 Astra, Dot (an always-on agent), and unlimited, faster image creation. The difference between the three plans comes down to two things: how much usage is included, and Ultrafast, which only Pro 500 has.
What is new in the $500 plan?
- Ultrafast. A faster service mode for GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Sol, chosen in the model picker. Buying extra credits on Pro 100 or Pro 200 does not unlock it.
- The highest allowance. OpenAI says Pro 500 "offers the highest included usage of the three plans", without giving a number.
- Faster consumption. Ultrafast use counts against your allowance at 8 times the Standard rate, then against purchased credits at 6 times. Regular Fast mode counts at 2.5 times.
- Monthly billing only. There is no annual plan, and at launch Pro 500 is sold through ChatGPT on the web.
Does Pro 500 give you 25 times Plus usage?
Many tech sites quote that figure, but OpenAI has not published it. The official help page only ranks the plans: Pro 200 includes more usage than Pro 100, and Pro 500 the most. MIXED confirms that the company publishes no figure for any plan's allowance, before or after the change. Treat "25x" as an unofficial estimate, not a promise from the company.
Old and new Pro 200: what changed?
| Item | Old Pro 200 | New Pro 200 | Pro 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $200 (about SAR 750) | $200 | $500 (about SAR 1,875) |
| Usage allowance | The previous allowance | Lower than before | The highest of the plans |
| Ultrafast | No | No | Yes |
| Who gets it | Subscribers active between 22 and 29 September 2026, until 29 October 2026 | New subscribers, and existing ones after 29 October | Anyone who needs top speed and the most usage |
OpenAI says the lower allowance reflects "our increasingly efficient models", and only affected subscribers will get an email with details. In practice, a Pro 200 subscriber after 29 October pays the same amount for less usage. To keep their previous level, they may need extra credits or a higher plan.
How does it compare with Claude Max?
Claude has no $500 plan so far. The official Claude pricing page lists Max in two options: $100 for 5 times Pro usage and $200 for 20 times. Since October 2026, Anthropic also adds a monthly developer platform credit of $100 on the first option and $200 on the second. So Claude's top individual plan is still $200, while OpenAI has raised the ceiling to $500.
Is this the start of AI getting more expensive?
Our view: yes, for heavy users. There are three signals in one week: a $500 individual plan, a $200 plan that now includes less usage for the same price, and top speed tied to the most expensive tier. AI companies now sell speed and volume as separate tiers, and anyone who relies on AI all day will pay more.
But it is not a price rise on everything. The same week, Anthropic launched Haiku 5.5 at about 75% lower cost than its predecessor. Token prices for developers are falling, while subscription prices for heavy use are rising. For a business owner the lesson is clear: measure your team's actual usage before upgrading, because Plus or Pro 100 may be enough, and do not pick the most expensive plan just because it is the newest.
Who actually needs Pro 500?
- A developer or analyst who uses Codex or ChatGPT Work most of the day and loses real time waiting for answers.
- Anyone who regularly hits the new Pro 200 limits after 29 October.
- For everyday writing, summarizing and research, the lower plans are enough. To understand the versions, read ChatGPT free vs paid after GPT-6 and GPT-6 Astra vs Sol vs Luna.
The bottom line
ChatGPT Pro 500 sells two things: the highest allowance and exclusive Ultrafast. The 25x figure is unofficial. The bigger change for most subscribers is the new Pro 200, which gives less usage for the same price. We see it as the start of a phase where heavy users pay more, even as model prices for developers fall.
Sources: OpenAI's help page on ChatGPT Pro plans: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/9793128-about-chatgpt-pro-tiers , the Pro plan page, the official Claude pricing page, MIXED's coverage, and Anthropic's Haiku 5.5 announcement. Riyal prices are approximate at the official rate of 3.75 SAR to the dollar and exclude tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ChatGPT Pro 500 cost?
$500 a month, about SAR 1,875 at the official exchange rate, excluding tax. It is billed monthly only.
What is the difference between Pro 500 and Pro 200?
Pro 500 has the highest usage allowance of the Pro plans and Ultrafast, a faster mode for GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Sol. Pro 200 does not have Ultrafast.
Does Pro 500 give 25 times Plus usage?
Tech sites quote that figure, but OpenAI has not published it. Its official page only says Pro 500 has the highest usage of the three plans.
What happens to my Pro 200 subscription?
If you were subscribed between 22 and 29 September 2026, you keep your previous allowance until 29 October 2026, then move to the lower allowance at the same $200 price.
Is there a $500 Claude plan?
No. Claude's top individual plan is Max at $200, with 20 times Pro usage and a $200 monthly developer credit.
Is AI getting more expensive?
Heavy-use subscriptions are, as Pro 500 and the lower Pro 200 allowance show. But model prices for developers are falling, such as Haiku 5.5 at about 75% less than its predecessor.
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