Artificial intelligence has exploded into everyday life, powering everything from smart search to video creation, writing assistants to coding tools. In 2025, users around the world — especially in markets like India — have been able to use premium-level AI tools for free or at heavily discounted rates. But 2026 may be the year that changes everything. If you haven’t explored these tools yet, now is the time — because free access might not last much longer.
Why Free AI Access Is So Big Right Now
Tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity are currently offering premium AI experiences either for free or with extended trials. For example:
-
ChatGPT Go has been made free in India for many users for a year — meaning Indian users can access what’s usually a paid tier without paying for now.
-
Google AI Pro / Gemini Pro has been offered free for extended periods (like 18 months to Jio users), giving access to powerful features normally behind a paywall.
-
Perplexity Pro and Comet browser have also been made available free through promotions and partnerships.
The strategy is clear: grab users early, get them familiar with advanced tools, and build long-term habits. The more people use these systems, the more training data the models get, and the stronger the AI gets. This benefits the companies and users — but free perks can’t go on forever.
The Writing Is on the Wall: AI Will Cost More in 2026
Even now, signs of monetization are appearing:
-
Free usage limits for powerful tools like video/image AI models are being tightened as companies face high GPU costs. OpenAI and Google have reduced free prompt quotas for tools like Sora and Gemini 3 Pro.
-
Industry insiders are suggesting that Google Gemini may start including ads or monetization features inside AI responses in 2026.
-
Many promotional free plans are time-limited — meaning once the trial period ends, you’ll have to pay to keep premium level access.
Even the baseline free tiers could be pared back, pushing casual users toward paid plans for serious work.
Here Are the AI Tools You Can Still Try Free Today
If you haven’t yet explored these AIs, here’s what’s worth trying before they start charging or limit access further:
1. ChatGPT / ChatGPT Go
OpenAI’s flagship model is the go-to for general AI conversations, content, and creative work. In many regions — especially India — the Go plan is free for a set period, letting you experiment with advanced features without paying.
Why try it? Versatile, easy to use, strong for writing, analysis, brainstorming, and even code.
2. Google’s Gemini (AI Pro / Free Tier)
Gemini — Google’s equivalent to ChatGPT — often gets bundled with free promotional access to Pro tier functionality. This includes deep research, multimodal AI support, and integrations across Google services.
Why try it? Excellent if you’re already in the Google ecosystem and want AI help with docs, email, search, and visuals.
3. Perplexity Pro & Comet Browser
Perplexity’s AI search engine and Comet browser have been made free in some promotions. They offer real-time research, source-cited answers, and deep query interpretation — sometimes rivaling paid alternatives.
Why try it? Great for students, researchers, and curious minds who want trustworthy answers with citations.
4. Microsoft Copilot Suite
Microsoft’s AI tools — now integrated across Windows and Office apps — have expanded free access to features like voice AI and advanced reasoning. Still, paid tiers offer priority during busy times and early access to new models.
Why try it? Deep integration into everyday productivity workflows (Word, Excel, Outlook).
5. Emerging AI Tools With Free Tiers
Beyond the big names, newer tools offer free access that might evolve into paid models soon:
-
DeepSeek — a chatbot that gained huge popularity quickly in 2025.
-
Open source and multi-model dashboards like Lumio AI, which let you compare outputs across different AIs without cost.
What Happens When These Tools Go Paid?
Once companies move to fee-based models or tighten limits, users could see:
-
Reduced free prompt limits
-
Locked access to advanced features
-
Subscription paywalls for what’s now free
-
In-AI advertising or usage-based billing
For students, content creators, professionals, and everyday users, this means budgeting for subscriptions you previously didn’t need.
Tips to Make the Most of Free AI Now
If you want to ride the AI wave before pricing changes:
🎯 Explore multiple platforms now — don’t stick to just one.
🎯 Download and register early while promos are active.
🎯 Use free tiers for deep work like writing, study, research, or coding.
🎯 Backup your workflows and data in case quotas tighten.
🎯 Learn to use AI efficiently — good prompts maximize what free tiers offer.
Final Thought
AI productivity and creativity tools are transforming how we work, learn, and create. But as costs rise and demand surges, we’re likely nearing an end to expansive free access. The tools are amazing now, so take them for a spin — while they’re still free. Your projects, workflows, and skillset will thank you later.
Read More: How to De-stress using straightforward AI devices: Smart Ways to Relax in a Digital World.
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IBN24NewsNetwork?si=ofbILODmUt20-zC3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibn24newsnetwork
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibn24newsnetwork/
Twitter: https://x.com/IBN24Network?t=K1A8JK8CUwcgllMRYQNPOw&s=08
