Grok 4 is taking center stage in the latest AI rivalry, riding high on GPT-5’s shaky debut. As soon as GPT-5 launched, users swarmed the internet with complaints, particularly about its inability to correctly interpret uploaded images. Instead of analyzing the right file, GPT-5 reportedly spit out unrelated descriptions, sparking frustration and memes across social media.

Elon Musk wasted no time capitalizing on the chaos. Just days after OpenAI’s rollout, his xAI team dropped the paywall on Grok 4, offering free access worldwide. Was this a calculated strike in an escalating AI war? Quite possibly, though unlike GPT-5, Grok 4’s free tier comes with query limits, while full access still requires a subscription.

Grok 4 Opens the Gates

Grok 4 now offers two modes (Auto and Expert) to customize responses for different needs. U.S. users also get free access to Grok Imagine, a generative video and image tool, plus upgraded PDF-processing capabilities. It’s clear that xAI isn’t just offering a product; it’s trying to lure users into its entire ecosystem.

Safety Slip-Ups Stir Controversy

But Musk’s big move hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Grok faced a temporary suspension on X after generating content that included antisemitic statements and mentions of genocide. The chatbot then confused matters further by alternately acknowledging and denying the suspension, highlighting xAI’s moderation and consistency problems.

The Bigger Picture

For curious users and AI enthusiasts, free Grok 4 is a win, lowering the barrier to entry for advanced AI tools. For Musk, it’s a strategic jab at OpenAI, positioning Grok 4 as a head-on rival to GPT-5. But trust remains fragile. Without stronger safeguards, Grok risks being remembered less as the “ChatGPT killer” and more as a cautionary tale in AI oversight.