Anthropic boosts its free Claude plan while OpenAI adds ads to ChatGPT. On February 11, 2026, Anthropic made file creation, connectors, and skills free for all users.
This move comes right after OpenAI started showing ads in ChatGPT for free and low-cost U.S. users on February 9.
The two AI companies compete hard. Anthropic positions Claude as the ad-free choice. The week saw strong marketing battles, including Super Bowl ads from Anthropic mocking AI ads.
Claude Free Features Update: OpenAI Starts Ads in ChatGPT
OpenAI tests ads in the free ChatGPT tier and the new $8/month Go plan in the U.S. Ads appear below answers as sponsored content. They match chat topics but do not change responses.
OpenAI promises not to sell user data. Brands pay high minimums (at least $200,000) to join the pilot.
Paid Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise users see no ads. Sam Altman defended the move and called Anthropic’s Super Bowl ads “dishonest.” OpenAI says ads stay non-intrusive.
Also read about: Claude Gift Cards: Anthropic Launches AI Holiday Gifting
Anthropic Upgrades Free Claude Tier
Anthropic first ran Super Bowl ads on February 4 with the tagline “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.” The funny spot won creative awards but scored low with general viewers.
Then Anthropic expanded free features on February 11. Free users now create and save files like PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and PDFs.
They get Google Workspace connectors and Skills to save custom instructions for repeated use. Anthropic says this gives big value when ChatGPT adds ads.
The update helps free users do more work without paying. It also keeps Claude fully ad-free for everyone.
This rivalry shows fast changes in AI chat tools. Anthropic focuses on privacy and no ads to win users. OpenAI uses advertising to generate revenue and maintain free access.
Both push new features to stay ahead. Users in Mumbai and worldwide now have the choice between ad-free access and a lower entry price with some sponsored content. Watch for more moves as the competition heats up.
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