# ChatGPT, Work, Codex and Dot: which one do I use?

A conversation, a finished task, a software project or an ongoing responsibility: choose the experience for what you want done.

Evidence: source-verified | Updated: 2026-10-25 | Edition: codex

Tool focus: chatgpt, work, codex, dot | General applicability: Not tagged

## Start with the job

These are different ways to work with AI, not four model names. An **LLM** is the model that reads and generates language. The app supplies the tools, files and actions around it.

| Experience | Use it for | An example request | Main trade-off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **ChatGPT Chat** | A conversation, explanation or draft | “Help me write a friendly reply.” | You may still need to take the next steps yourself. |
| **ChatGPT Work** | Delegating a task and reviewing the finished result | “Research these options and make a comparison spreadsheet.” | It needs the right files, connections and a clear finish line. |
| **Codex** | Building and maintaining software with developer tools | “Fix this website issue, run the checks and show the changes.” | Code, commands and review views can feel more technical. |
| **Your dot** | Keeping an ongoing responsibility moving between conversations | “Keep track of this project’s open decisions and bring me the ones that need me.” | It needs access and boundaries; rollout and account eligibility matter. |

Work and Codex overlap: Codex can also do research and documents. Work emphasizes finished outputs with less developer detail; Codex makes technical work easier to inspect. Pick the interface you find useful rather than treating them as completely separate abilities.

## One event, four ways to get help

For a family gathering, Chat can help you think of food. Work could turn your dates, guest list and public venue information into a plan. Codex could build a small RSVP website. A dot could keep track of changing arrangements using information and tools you connect.

Those are example requests, not a promise that every account has every integration. A dot’s cloud work can continue when your computer is off; tasks that need your connected computer require that computer to be available.

## What does it cost?

As checked on 25 October 2026, OpenAI lists limited Free access for Work/Codex subject to rollout, Plus at **US$20/month**, and Pro from **US$100/month**. Work and Codex share usage rather than having separate included allowances. API-key billing is separate. Features depend on plan and workspace settings.

Dots are rolling out to eligible accounts. We have not confirmed a standalone Dot price for this guide; check the offer shown in your account before subscribing for it.

## What should I try first?

If you want a better answer, stay in Chat. If you want a finished file, try Work. If you want to change a website, try Codex. If the job is keeping track of a responsibility over time, explore a dot when available.

Next, see [what makes an AI agent useful](/codex/en/agentic-ai-explained/), or [choose a chat app](/codex/en/choose-your-first-ai/).

## References

- [OpenAI: choose Chat, Work or Codex](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/use-chatgpt)
- [OpenAI: meet dots](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/dots)
- [OpenAI: Work and Codex pricing](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pricing)