ChatGPT itself is not open source, but OpenAI has released some related tools that are
ChatGPT, the chatbot you interact with on OpenAI's website or through their API, is proprietary software. You cannot see its code, modify it, or run your own version. OpenAI owns it, controls it, and charges money to use it.
However, OpenAI has released other models under open source licenses. Whisper (their speech-to-text tool) and parts of their research are publicly available. But the large language model that powers ChatGPT itself — the thing most people mean when they say "ChatGPT" — remains closed.
This matters because it affects what you can do with the tool, what it costs, and who decides how it changes over time.
Key Takeaways
- ChatGPT's core model is proprietary; you pay OpenAI to use it and cannot modify or host your own copy.
- Open source alternatives like Llama 2, Mistral, and Grok exist and let you run models locally or modify them, but they often perform differently than ChatGPT.
- Proprietary software means OpenAI controls updates, pricing, and what data they collect from your conversations.
- Open source does not mean free — it means the code is public and you can modify it, though hosting and running it yourself has real costs.
Why OpenAI keeps ChatGPT proprietary
OpenAI's business model depends on controlling access. They charge per conversation through their website, per API call for developers, and through ChatGPT Plus subscriptions. If the model were open source, anyone could run it themselves and OpenAI would lose that revenue.
There is also a safety argument: OpenAI says keeping the model closed lets them control how it is used and prevent misuse. An open source version could be modified to remove safety guardrails or used for purposes OpenAI does not want to support.
From a technical standpoint, ChatGPT is expensive to run. The servers, electricity, and ongoing training cost money. OpenAI's closed model lets them recoup those costs and fund further research.
What open source language models actually exist
Llama 2, made by Meta, is the most widely used open source alternative. It is free to read and run on your own computer or server. The code is public, so researchers and developers can study it, modify it, and build tools on top of it. Llama 2 performs well on many tasks, though most users find it slightly less capable than ChatGPT for general conversation.
Mistral 7B is a smaller model from a French company that runs faster and uses less memory than Llama 2, making it practical for older computers or phones. Grok, from Elon Musk's xAI, is newer and positioned as an open source alternative, though it is still in early stages.
There are also fine-tuned versions of open source models — researchers take Llama or Mistral and train them further on specific data to make them better at particular tasks like coding or medical questions. These are often shared on platforms like Hugging Face.
The real costs of running open source models yourself
Open source does not mean free in practice. Downloading Llama 2 costs nothing, but running it does. If you want to use it on your own computer, you need enough memory and processing power — typically a graphics card with at least 8 GB of memory. If you want to host it on a server so others can access it, you pay for cloud computing time, which adds up quickly.
A small Llama 2 model running on a mid-range cloud server might cost $10 to $50 per month depending on how many people use it. ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month for unlimited access. For light personal use, running open source locally is cheaper. For anything with real traffic, the math shifts.
You also have to maintain the software yourself — install updates, troubleshoot problems, and monitor for security issues. OpenAI handles all of that for you when you use ChatGPT through their website.
What you give up and what you gain with proprietary ChatGPT
When you use ChatGPT, OpenAI can see your conversations (though they say they do not use them to train the model unless you opt in). You have no control over how the model works or what it learns. If OpenAI changes the pricing, removes features, or shuts down the service, you have no recourse. You are dependent on their servers being up and their business staying stable.
In exchange, you get a tool that works reliably, updates automatically, and performs at a high level without you having to manage infrastructure. You do not need technical knowledge to use it.
With open source models, you own the code and can modify it however you want. You can run it entirely offline so no one sees your data. You can study how it works. But you also have to handle all the technical work yourself, and the model may not perform as well as ChatGPT.
How to decide which approach fits your situation
Use ChatGPT through OpenAI's website or API if you want simplicity, high performance, and do not mind paying per use or per month. This is the right choice for most people — writers, students, professionals who need a reliable tool.
Consider running an open source model yourself if you are a developer or researcher who wants to modify the model, keep your data private, or avoid ongoing subscription costs. You will need some technical skill or willingness to learn.
Some people use both: ChatGPT for everyday work and a local open source model for experiments or sensitive conversations. There is no single right answer — it depends on what you value more: convenience or control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read ChatGPT and run it on my own computer?
No. ChatGPT's model is proprietary and not released publicly. You can only use it through OpenAI's website, mobile app, or API. You can read and run open source alternatives like Llama 2 or Mistral, but they are different models.
Is there a free version of ChatGPT?
Yes. OpenAI offers free access to ChatGPT through their website with some limits on how many conversations you can have per day. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) removes those limits and gives you access to newer models. The API charges per token used.
Why would I use an open source model if ChatGPT is better?
Privacy is the main reason — your data stays on your computer instead of going to OpenAI's servers. Researchers and developers also use open source models to study how they work or modify them for specific tasks. Cost matters too if you have very high usage.
Will ChatGPT ever become open source?
OpenAI has not announced plans to open source ChatGPT. Their business depends on keeping it proprietary. They may release other tools or research, but the main model is unlikely to change.
What is the difference between open source and free?
Open source means the code is public and you can modify it. Free means it costs no money. Something can be open source and cost money to run (like a server), or free but proprietary (like ChatGPT's free tier). They are separate things.