Gemini: what it is, what it costs, and who it suits (2026)
Gemini is Google's family of AI models. It's in the Gemini app, Android, Gmail, Docs, Chrome and Search.
Research-based, not tested. Written from official pages and help docs (last checked Oct 15, 2026). We haven't run our own tests of this yet, so treat it as an explainer, not a verdict. How we test
In one sentence
Google's AI, built into the apps many people already use, with the cheapest paid plan of the big three and lots of storage bundled in.
Latest models (last checked Oct 15, 2026)
Current flagship: Gemini 4 Argon (paid Pro/Ultra in the app). Free Gemini uses Flash-Lite.
- Oct 13, 2026: Gemini 4 Argon now available to everyone via the API, and to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the Gemini app and AI Mode (Google)
- Sep 30, 2026: Gemini 4 Argon announced, first for trusted cyber defenders (Google)
Free vs paid (as of Oct 2026)
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Flash-Lite model, image creation, Deep Research, Gemini Live, Canvas, Gems |
| Google AI Plus | $4.99/month (400 GB storage) | Flash model, 2x the free usage limits, video generation, Gemini in Gmail |
| Google AI Pro | $19.99/month (5 TB storage) | Gemini 4 Argon (newest flagship, since Oct 13) and the Pro model, 4x the free limits, Gemini in Gmail and Docs, Chrome auto browse |
| Google AI Ultra | $99.99 or $199.99/month | 5x or 20x Pro's limits, Project Genie, 20 TB+ storage, YouTube Premium |
Free option: The Gemini app with the Flash-Lite model, image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live voice chat, Canvas and Gems, plus 15 GB of Google storage.
What it's good at
- Works with Gmail, Docs, Drive and Android
- Strong at images, video and voice (Gemini Live)
- Paid plans bundle lots of cloud storage
Keep in mind
- The free plan uses the smaller Flash-Lite model
- Plans and model names change often
- Google AI plans are 18+
Where you'll find it
- The Gemini app (Android, iPhone, web). On Android it has replaced Google Assistant (how to)
- Gmail, Docs, Chrome and Google Search (AI Mode)
- Circle to Search on Android
- Apple says its new Apple Foundation Models were built in collaboration with Google and its Gemini models
Last checked Oct 15, 2026. Model names change fast. Names and prices here are as of Oct 2026 and come from the sources at the bottom of the page.
See also: AI models explained · Which AI model should I use? · Best free AI models
Sources
- Gemini subscriptions: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Google One AI plans: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Apple Newsroom: Siri AI is here (Sep 2026): last checked Oct 15, 2026
- 9to5Google: Gemini fully replaces Google Assistant (Sep 2026): last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Google: Gemini 4 Argon now available to everyone via the API (Oct 13, 2026): last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Google: Gemini 4 Argon announced (Sep 30, 2026): last checked Oct 15, 2026
Prices and plans change often. Always confirm on the official site before you buy.
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