ChatGPT Work vs Claude Cowork
The facts side by side, from official pages. Head-to-head tests are coming.
ChatGPT Work is cheaper to start ($0 vs $20/mo). Where it works: ChatGPT Work (Worldwide (where ChatGPT works)), Claude Cowork (Where Claude is available). We haven't run head-to-head tests yet, so this compares facts only.
Side by side
| ChatGPT Work | Claude Cowork | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI | Anthropic |
| Type | Agent inside an AI chat app | Agent inside an AI chat app |
| Paid from | $0 | $20/mo |
| Free option | Yes, desktop only | No |
| Where | Worldwide (where ChatGPT works) | Where Claude is available |
| Open source | No | No |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Setup | Easy | Easy |
| Runs on | OpenAI's cloud, with desktop app access to your computer | Anthropic's cloud; local files and browser via the desktop app |
| Use it from | ChatGPT desktop app (Mac, Windows), web and mobile on paid plans | Claude desktop app, web, mobile, Chrome side panel |
| Real use cases in feed | 3 | 3 |
| Our test | Not tested yet | Not tested yet |
Facts checked Oct 20, 2026. Sources are on each agent's page.
Which one fits you
ChatGPT Work
Pick it if:
- you already use ChatGPT and want to try an agent for free on your computer
- you want one app for chat and agent jobs
Seen in the feed:
Claude Cowork
Pick it if:
- you already pay for Claude Pro
- your job is mostly files, documents and spreadsheets
Seen in the feed:
Head-to-head test
Not tested yet. We haven't run our own tests on this yet. When we do, results will appear here with the date, agent version, time, cost, how often we had to step in, and screenshots. How we test.
Jobs both can do
Gather tax documents and fill in a draft
Tax season means hunting through email and bank accounts. An agent can collect the documents and draft the forms for you to review.
Questions
Which is cheaper, ChatGPT Work or Claude Cowork?
ChatGPT Work paid use starts at $0 (free option: Yes, desktop only). Claude Cowork starts at $20/mo (free option: No).
Which is easier to set up, ChatGPT Work or Claude Cowork?
ChatGPT Work: Easy. Install the desktop app and pick Work instead of Chat. Claude Cowork: Easy. Pick Cowork in the message box (or just ask, in the new combined Claude). Local files, browser use and computer use need the desktop app open.
Have you tested ChatGPT Work against Claude Cowork?
Not yet. We will run both on the same jobs with the same instructions and publish pass or fail, time, cost and how often we had to step in.