Grok vs Qwen Chat
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Qwen Chat is completely free, while Grok is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Real-time X and web search
- DeepSearch research
- Grok Imagine images and video
- Voice mode
- Companion characters
- Model switcher
- Deep thinking
- Web search
- Image and video generation
- Artifacts preview
| Feature | Grok | Qwen Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Chat assistant with live X posts, web search, image and video tools | Alibaba's free assistant running the Qwen family of models |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $8/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI) | Alibaba |
| Based in | United States | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Qwen Chat is completely free, while Grok is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- Limited Grok usage
- Web and X search
Plus
$8/mo
- X Subscription tier
- More Grok usage
- X Premium perks
Premium
$30/mo
- Higher Grok limits
- Advanced models
Super
$100/mo
- Much higher usage caps
- Priority access
Ultra
$200/mo
- Highest usage limits
- Top models and features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Grok
- Up-to-date answers from X posts
- Bundled with X and Cursor perks
- Fast image and video generation
- Looser moderation has drawn criticism
- Plans and names changed often
- Best models sit on higher tiers
Qwen Chat
- Free access to large Qwen models
- Many tools in one app
- Good multilingual support
- Data stored by a Chinese company
- Interface changes frequently
- Less polished mobile apps
Which one should you choose?
Choose Grok if you want:
- Up-to-date answers from X posts
- Bundled with X and Cursor perks
- Fast image and video generation
Watch out: looser moderation has drawn criticism.
Choose Qwen Chat if you want:
- Free access to large Qwen models
- Many tools in one app
- Good multilingual support
Watch out: data stored by a chinese company.
Grok vs Qwen Chat FAQ
What is the difference between Grok and Qwen Chat?
Grok: Chat assistant with live X posts, web search, image and video tools. Qwen Chat: Alibaba's free assistant running the Qwen family of models. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Grok or Qwen Chat cheaper?
Qwen Chat is completely free, while Grok is freemium.
Do Grok and Qwen Chat have free plans?
Grok: Yes. Qwen Chat: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Grok?
Grok is made by SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI), based in United States.
Who makes Qwen Chat?
Qwen Chat is made by Alibaba, based in China.
Which should I choose, Grok or Qwen Chat?
Choose Grok if you value up-to-date answers from x posts and bundled with x and cursor perks. Choose Qwen Chat if you value free access to large qwen models and many tools in one app.