Claude plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Works out to |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited usage |
| Pro | $20/mo or $17/mo billed yearly | ~3¢ per message at ~20 messages a day (regular use) |
| Max 5x | $100/mo | ~7¢ per message at ~50 messages a day (heavy use) |
| Max 20x | $200/mo | ~13¢ per message at ~50 messages a day (heavy use) |
Prices are for monthly billing unless noted. "Works out to" divides the monthly price by the usage the Tool Tax Calculator assumes for that plan.
What each plan includes
Free $0
- Chat on web, desktop and mobile
- Web search, file creation and code execution
- Memory, app connections and Artifacts
- Usage sized for everyday questions
Pro $20/mo
- At least 5x the Free plan's usage per session
- Usage resets on a rolling five-hour window, with weekly limits on top
- Claude Code, Projects and more models
- Claude in Chrome and Microsoft 365
Max 5x $100/mo
- Everything in Pro
- 5x Pro's usage per session
- Higher output limits
- Early access to advanced features and priority access at busy times
Max 20x $200/mo
- Everything in Pro
- 20x Pro's usage per session
- Higher output limits
- Early access to advanced features and priority access at busy times
Is it worth it?
Pro is the plan most people need. At ~20 messages a day it works out to about 3¢ per message. Max costs $100/mo or $200/mo, so it only pays off if you run into Pro's five-hour limit most weeks. If you open Claude a few times a week, the free plan is probably enough.
Paying for more than one AI tool?
On its own, Claude is cheaper on its own plan. The case for SHIFT AI is replacing several tools you pay for at once, so check your whole stack before deciding.
The calculator opens with Claude Pro ticked. Tool Tax earns a referral reward if you join SHIFT through links on this site; the numbers are calculated the same way either way. Disclosure.
Questions
How much is Claude Pro?
$20/mo billed monthly, or $17/mo billed yearly ($200 up front).
What's the difference between Claude Pro and Max?
Usage. Max 5x gives five times Pro's usage per session for $100/mo, and Max 20x gives twenty times for $200/mo. Both add higher output limits, early access to new features and priority at busy times.
Is there a free Claude plan?
Yes. It covers chat on web, desktop and mobile, web search, files and code, with usage sized for everyday questions. Pro gives at least five times as much usage per session.
Is Claude Pro worth it?
If you use Claude most days and keep hitting the free limit, yes: at ~20 messages a day it's about 3¢ per message. If you use it a few times a week, start with the free plan.
Sources
Plans, prices and features come from Claude's pricing page, checked October 7, 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm the current price there before you buy. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] and I'll fix it.