Write your 3 most common AI tasks. For each, mark: does free handle it today (Y/N)? You're done when you can say in one line whether an upgrade would change your actual week — not the demo reel. Re-check tiers before deciding; they change often.
How-to · SEL · SEL.3
Free vs paid — what the upgrade actually buys
Paid AI tiers typically buy better models, longer context, and file/tool features — decide by task, not hype.
Worked example
The upgrade question has a boring answer: paid tiers usually buy a smarter default model, longer memory within a chat, and file or tool features. If your use is short Q&A, free is fine. If you're working documents and long threads, the ceiling matters.