Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: We Compared The Two AI Models and Here Are The Results

Grok 3 vs. ChatGPT — if you’ve heard of the new AI model, Grok 3, in the past few days, you might be wondering how it compares with ChatGPT.

Grok 3 has become all the buzz in just a couple of days, boasting features like the Think and DeepSearch mode. ChatGPT has been around for a long time and is one of the AI models that probably everyone on the internet knows.

In this article, we’ll compare the two AI models — Grok 3 vs. ChatGPT — based on their features, use cases, and pricing. Let’s see which of these two AI models stands out and which of them might suit your business requirements.

What Is Grok 3?

Grok 3, developed by xAI, is an advanced AI model designed to answer, research, and resolve a wide range of queries. 

It offers enhanced capabilities, including real-time knowledge updates, allowing it to deliver accurate and relevant responses without a fixed cutoff date. It can analyze X user profiles, posts, linked content, and uploaded files like images or PDFs, as well as search the web and X for additional context. 

Grok 3 offers three different modes — the Think mode, the Big Brain mode, and the DeepSearch mode, which enhance the models reasoning capabilities. While primarily text-based, it can generate images upon user confirmation and edit its own prior image outputs. 

It also avoids making ethical judgments, such as determining who deserves punishment, adhering to AI safety protocols — making it an AI model that stands up to other popular models like ChatGPT, Claude, and so on.

What Is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is an advanced AI language model designed to generate human-like text, assist with complex problem-solving, and facilitate natural conversations. 

It is built on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture and has evolved significantly since its launch in 2022. In fact, it has become a household name for AI communication, writing, coding, and creative assistance.

Currently, it works on some of the latest LLMs by OpenAI — GPT-4o and GPT-o, which are known to provide deep contextual understanding, refined reasoning abilities, and adaptability across a vast range of topics. It can generate well-structured articles, write and debug code, summarize research papers, and even engage in philosophical discussions. 

Like Grok 3, it also has two modes — Search and Reason — built to enhance its capabilities. It has also integrated real-time web browsing, AI-powered image generation through DALL·E 3, and memory for context retention.

While both Grok 3 and ChatGPT are conversational AI models, they have significant differences both in terms of ability and quality. Let’s compare Grok 3 vs ChatGPT at a glance before we compare each of their features in depth. 

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Key Specs at a Glance

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick comparison of Grok 3 vs ChatGPT:

Now, let’s break it down further.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Comparing The Features and Capabilities

Here’s an in-depth comparison of ChatGPT and Grok 3’s features and capabilities:

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Reasoning and Problem-Solving

Grok 3 shines in reasoning tasks, thanks to its Think Mode, which reveals its step-by-step thought process. This transparency is a game-changer for STEM professionals, educators, and researchers who need to trust an AI’s logic. Early benchmarks show Grok 3 outperforming rivals in math, science, and coding challenges. 

For instance, it can whip up a Python script for a bouncing ball faster than ChatGPT can load, according to some X posts.

ChatGPT, however, holds its own with GPT-4’s refined reasoning abilities. While it doesn’t display its process as explicitly as Grok 3, it excels in nuanced problem-solving and contextual understanding. It’s less about raw speed and more about delivering polished, accurate answers across a broader range of queries.

In all benchmark tests, Grok 3 has performed consistently better than GPT-o1 and o1 mini, the latest OpenAI models. Here’s a breakdown of the same:

• Math (AIME 2025): Grok 3 scores 93.3%, beating GPT-o1’s 79%, showcasing superior mathematical reasoning.
• Science (GPQA): Grok 3 achieves 84.6%, topping GPT-o1’s 78%, indicating advanced scientific problem-solving.
• Coding (LiveCodeBench): Grok 3 excels, with a 79.4% over o1’s 72.9% in programming tasks, generating clean, functional code efficiently.

Verdict: Grok 3 takes the edge in technical reasoning; ChatGPT wins for general-purpose problem-solving.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Speed and Efficiency

Grok 3’s massive GPU cluster with 200,000 Nvidia GPUs gives it a speed advantage. Users report “lightning-fast” responses, making it ideal for time-sensitive tasks. Whether you’re researching trends or coding on the fly, Grok 3’s efficiency stands out.

In Grok 3’s Think mode, the AI model took 52 seconds to “think,” before answering the trolley problem.

ChatGPT, while not sluggish, prioritizes quality over raw speed. Its responses are quick enough for most use cases, but it can lag slightly with complex prompts compared to Grok 3’s zippy performance.

For the same trolley problem as before, ChatGPT just thought for 6 seconds in the Reason mode.

Verdict: ChatGPT is fast, but it’s also because it doesn’t “think” a lot. Grok 3 maybe slower but still has remarkable speed for complex problems.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Content Creation

ChatGPT can churn out blog posts, ad copies, and creative stories with a natural flair. Its ability to adapt tone and style — paired with integrations like DALL·E 3 for visuals — make it a really useful tool for content creation. 

Plus, with its recent updates, the AI model has really started delivering some human-sounding and in-depth long-form content — far better than its originally robotic and untrustworthy articles.

Grok 3’s writing capabilities are also at par and lean more toward factual, humanized content. It’s great for research-driven articles or witty social media captions, however, it’s not built for that use case. Plus, without image generation (yet), it’s a step behind for multimedia needs.

Verdict: Both ChatGPT and Grok 3 are great for content creation.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Real-Time Data Access

Grok 3’s X integration is its secret weapon. It pulls real-time data from public posts, offering fresh insights on breaking news and trends. For marketers tracking campaigns or writers covering current events, this is a huge plus.

ChatGPT has web-browsing capabilities, but its static training data (up to 2023) means it’s less dynamic without live updates. It relies on Bing for real-time info, which isn’t as seamless as Grok’s X-powered edge.

Verdict: Grok 3 wins for real-time relevance; ChatGPT lags slightly.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Modes

Grok 3 offers specialized modes that enhance its functionality. DeepSearch scours the web and X posts for up-to-date info, perfect for research-heavy queries. Think Mode lays out its reasoning step-by-step, taking 52 seconds on complex ethical dilemmas like the trolley problem, boosting transparency for technical users. 

Big Brain Mode amps up its computational power for tackling massive datasets or intricate problems, leveraging its 200,000 Nvidia GPU cluster.

ChatGPT counters with its own modes. Search Mode, powered by Bing, fetches real-time data, though it’s less integrated than Grok’s X-driven approach. Reason Mode refines its logic quietly, solving the same trolley problem in just 6 seconds—favoring speed over visibility. While effective, it lacks the explicit process breakdown of Grok’s Think Mode.

Verdict: Grok 3’s modes prioritize depth and transparency; ChatGPT’s lean toward efficiency and simplicity.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Use Cases

Grok 3 thrives in technical and research-driven scenarios. Its Think Mode and DeepSearch make it ideal for STEM professionals solving complex math, coding, or science problems, while X integration suits marketers or journalists tracking real-time trends. Think debugging code or analyzing breaking news.

ChatGPT excels in creative and general-purpose tasks. It’s perfect for writers crafting blogs, ad copy, or stories, and casual users seeking quick answers. With DALL·E 3, it’s a go-to for multimedia projects like illustrated guides.

Verdict: Grok 3 for specialized, data-heavy work; ChatGPT for creativity and everyday queries.

Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: Pricing

Grok 3’s pricing is tied to the X ecosystem, offering access through the X Premium+ subscription at $40 per month in the U.S. (as of February 2025), which bundles Grok 3 with additional platform features like prioritized visibility. 

A standalone SuperGrok plan, rumored at $30 per month or $300 annually, unlocks enhanced features like unlimited queries and priority support. Still, availability is limited to X users, and regional restrictions may apply.

ChatGPT offers a tiered structure: the free version remains accessible to all, while ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month, granting access to GPT-4o, GPT-4o mini and faster responses. 

The premium ChatGPT Pro plan, launched in December 2024, runs at $200 per month, targeting power users with unlimited access to advanced models like o1 and GPT-4o, plus extras like voice features.

Verdict: Grok 3’s $40/month Premium+ plan undercuts ChatGPT’s $200 Pro tier by a wide margin, offering competitive features for less — though it’s pricier than ChatGPT Plus at $20. 

For budget-conscious users, ChatGPT’s free tier remains unbeatable, but Grok 3 delivers more value for technical users within its ecosystem. Also, Grok 3 is available for free for a short time. 

Final Verdict: Grok 3 vs ChatGPT: What’s the Difference?

Both ChatGPT and Grok 3 are AI models with advanced features and capabilities. Grok 3 excels in technical reasoning, speed, and real-time data via X integration, which is ideal for STEM users at $40/month. Its Think Mode and GPU power shine, though it lacks multimedia features. 

ChatGPT, on the other hand, leads in versatile problem-solving and content creation, with DALL·E 3 integration, offering a $20/month Plus tier and a $200 Pro plan. It’s less dynamic but more accessible. 

However, both AI models are ultimately general purpose platforms which may not perform well for niche use cases such as marketing or analytics. For such use cases, it might be better to choose a niche AI product, such as Chatsonic for marketing. 

By choosing a use-case-specific AI product like Chatsonic, you get access to the right tools in the domain along with the power of AI. 

For more updates on Grok 3 and its capabilities, stay tuned to Writesonic’s blog.

Niyati Mahale

Niyati Mahale is a Content Writer @Writesonic. She specializes in artificial intelligence and B2B, with a flair for combining effective storytelling and SEO best practices to create impactful content.