Overview
Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has opened up its latest AI model, Grok 4 Free AI, to all users worldwide at no cost. However, this free offer comes with query limits and locked premium tools, pushing heavier users toward paid subscriptions.
Grok 4 Free AI Goes Global
On August 11, 2025, xAI confirmed that Grok 4 can now be accessed for free across the globe, via:
- The dedicated Grok app
- Integration with X (formerly Twitter)
- Supported devices
To control costs and manage server load, the free plan imposes strict usage caps — reports indicate roughly five queries every 12 hours — though Musk has hinted this allowance may be “generous for now.”
Two Modes for Free Users
Free-tier users can interact with Grok 4 in two ways:
- Auto Mode – The AI decides whether to process your request through Grok 4 or a faster, lighter model, depending on complexity.
- Expert Mode – Every prompt is sent directly to Grok 4 for maximum reasoning and depth.
This dual-mode setup gives casual users a smooth experience while letting power users opt for more intensive processing.
What Remains Exclusive to Paid Plans
- Grok 4 Heavy – The most advanced variant, available only via the SuperGrok Heavy subscription at ~$300/month.
- Grok Imagine – xAI’s image and video generation platform remains restricted outside the U.S., with free access only for select U.S. users.
- Ads in Responses – xAI is exploring the inclusion of ads within AI replies to help offset the high GPU costs of running the model.
Why xAI Is Doing This
Analysts view this move as a direct response to OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch, which also includes a free tier.
By offering Grok 4 Free AI at no cost, xAI aims to:
- Attract new users
- Gather real-world feedback
- Encourage upgrades to premium subscriptions for higher limits and advanced tools
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Free Tier (Auto/Expert) | Paid Tier (SuperGrok Heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Grok 4 Access | Yes (with query caps) | Yes (unlimited & enhanced speed) |
| Grok 4 Heavy | No | Yes |
| Grok Imagine | Limited, U.S.-only | Full access worldwide |
| Ads in Interface | Expected soon | May still appear |
Key Takeaways
With Grok 4 Free AI now open to everyone:
- Casual users can explore the AI’s capabilities for free.
- Advanced users can choose Expert Mode for full Grok 4 reasoning power.
- Power users needing faster performance, higher limits, or exclusive tools must upgrade.
In a competitive AI market, this release underscores xAI’s determination to remain a strong contender. The free period offers a prime chance to test Grok 4’s strengths — before any potential tightening of limits.
