Are you fascinated by ChatGPT Plus but don’t want to spend $20/month for access? You’re not alone! With the introduction of ChatGPT 4o in April 2024, users now have access to faster response times, enhanced emotional understanding, and real-time translation capabilities. But here’s the catch: many people don’t know they can access the power of GPT-4 and GPT-4o for free.
In this blog post, we’ll break down three effective ways to use ChatGPT 4o for free, complete with demos, tips, and tools. Whether you’re a student, developer, content creator, or just curious, these tricks will elevate your productivity and creativity — without spending a dime.
🚀 What’s New in ChatGPT 4o?
Before diving into the free access methods, let’s take a quick look at what makes ChatGPT 4o stand out:
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Launched in April 2024 by OpenAI
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Faster response time than GPT-4
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Improved multilingual capabilities
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Emotion detection in conversations
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Real-time translation
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Better context understanding
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Plugin support and visual input capabilities
Explore full features directly on OpenAI’s GPT-4o Launch Page.
💡 Method 1: Use ChatGPT 4o via Microsoft Bing Chat (Copilot)
One of the easiest ways to experience GPT-4-level AI for free is through Microsoft Bing Chat, also known as Copilot.
✅ Why Bing Chat Works
Bing integrates GPT-4/4o models into its search engine, providing context-aware answers with AI-level intelligence — all at zero cost.
🔍 How to Use:
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Go to Bing Chat using Microsoft Edge or Chrome.
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Sign in with a Microsoft account.
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Click on Copilot from the top menu.
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Enter your prompt — for example:
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“Create an image of a girl holding balloons”
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“Write C code to swap two numbers”
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Result: You’ll receive responses powered by GPT-4o, including code, images, and more.
📌 Bonus: Image and Code Generation
You can even create images and programming scripts, making Bing Chat a valuable tool for developers and designers alike.
Tip: Bing’s AI also supports generating Python, JavaScript, and other programming languages.
💻 Method 2: Install Merlin Chrome Extension
Merlin] is a popular AI Chrome extension that brings GPT-4 directly into your browser.
✅ Why Choose Merlin?
Merlin uses the ChatGPT 4 model and allows you to interact with AI seamlessly on any webpage.
🔍 How to Use:
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Search for “Merlin ChatGPT Extension” on Google or get it from the Chrome Web Store.
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Install and create a free account.
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Set GPT-4 as the default model from the top-right corner.
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Type your prompt — e.g.,
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“Generate C code to swap two numbers”
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Result: Merlin will deliver enhanced answers, often including multiple solutions such as:
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Using a temporary variable
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Without using a temporary variable
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Using bitwise XOR method
Pro Tip: You can use Merlin on Gmail, LinkedIn, Docs, or any website for productivity on-the-go.
🧠 Method 3: Use ChatGPT 3.5 Default with 4o Upgrade Option
If you’re already using ChatGPT Free (3.5) at chat.openai.com, there’s a simple trick to access GPT-4o directly:
🔍 How to Use:
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Log in at ChatGPT.
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Ask a question using the default model (3.5).
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Example: “Define software testing and its types.”
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Once the response is generated, click “Change Model” below the result.
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Select GPT-4o and resubmit the prompt.
Result: GPT-4o provides a much richer and detailed output, often with:
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Manual vs Automation Testing breakdown
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Testing strategies and levels
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Tools and techniques explained
Note: This option may be available as part of OpenAI’s free trial or limited usage model, so availability can vary.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Maximize AI Without Paying
With powerful tools like Bing Chat, Merlin, and ChatGPT’s own free access, you no longer need to spend $20/month for premium access. These methods allow you to:
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Use ChatGPT 4o features like real-time translation, image generation, and advanced coding.
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Boost your productivity with free browser tools.
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Explore the full potential of AI with no subscription required.
