OpenAI and ChatGPT: the market leader under the microscope
Published on 7/23/2026 · André Hellmann
One billion monthly users — reached faster than any app before it. ChatGPT has become synonymous with AI. But what is actually behind the market leader, what does GPT-5.5 deliver in business use — and where do the strengths end?
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Contents
- From ChatGPT to OpenAI: the company at a glance
- GPT-5.5 and the model family explained
- ChatGPT for business: what it can do — and what it can’t
- Data privacy, US hosting, and GDPR
- Conclusion: when ChatGPT is the right choice
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
From ChatGPT to OpenAI: the company at a glance
ChatGPT launched in November 2022 as a research demo. Three and a half years later, the app is the fastest-growing application in history: in June 2026, market trackers reported one billion monthly users — reached faster than Google Maps, Instagram, or TikTok (source: CNBC/Sensor Tower, June 2026).
The business is catching up. In February 2026, annualized revenue crossed $25 billion, with roughly $2 billion flowing in per month. In early June 2026, OpenAI confidentially filed paperwork for an IPO, targeting a valuation near $1 trillion. The company now counts over 9 million paying business users. For a full market overview, see the AI tools comparison.
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GPT-5.5 and the model family explained
The current flagship is GPT-5.5, in production since April 2026. The model runs in several response modes: a fast Instant mode for everyday tasks, a Thinking mode for multi-step reasoning, and a Pro mode for maximum rigor on complex analysis. The LLM inference runs entirely on OpenAI’s own infrastructure.
Compared to the previous generation, GPT-5.5 is more compute-intensive — and noticeably more expensive per token in API use. For businesses, the model version matters less than picking the right mode for the task: Instant for routine requests, Thinking or Pro for tasks with high error cost.
A stronger model doesn’t solve a process problem. It only changes how expensive an unsolved process problem becomes.
ChatGPT for business: what it can do — and what it can’t
The strengths. ChatGPT wins on feature breadth: text, image, voice, data analysis, code agents (Codex), and Deep Research in one tool. Over 60 connectors link Microsoft 365, Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, Linear, and Figma. Custom GPT agents can be shared across a team. No other provider covers as many use cases under a single subscription.
ChatGPT Business costs $20 per user/month billed annually ($25 billed monthly), starting at two users, with SAML SSO, an admin console, and SOC 2 certification (source: OpenAI, 2026). ChatGPT Enterprise adds SCIM provisioning, enterprise key management, role-based access controls, data residency across ten regions, and individually negotiated pricing — reported figures cluster around $60 per user/month with a roughly 150-seat minimum.
The limits. ChatGPT is an ecosystem product, not a specialist tool. For very long documents or complex, multi-step analysis, Claude tends to lead. And: ChatGPT is proprietary and cloud-only — self-hosting is not an option.
Data privacy, US hosting, and GDPR
OpenAI does not train on customer data by default for Business and Enterprise access (source: OpenAI, Enterprise Privacy, 2026). That is the central commitment for companies, regardless of plan. On the free consumer tier, this only holds once training use is actively turned off.
The US factor remains: OpenAI is a US company, and US law applies in addition to GDPR where relevant. Enterprise customers can choose data residency across ten regions, including the EU — but processing stays contractually bound to OpenAI. For digital sovereignty in the strict sense, that isn’t enough. The full provider comparison is in our article on AI provider data privacy.
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Conclusion: when ChatGPT is the right choice
ChatGPT fits when a company wants broad functionality covered by as few tools as possible: chat, research, code, image work, and automation under one roof. The large user base also lowers the adoption hurdle across a team.
ChatGPT is not the right standalone choice when very long documents, highly sensitive data processing, or self-hosting are the priority. As with any tool: a license is not a strategy. Only a defined workflow turns ChatGPT into measurable impact — otherwise the implementation gap looms.
Frequently asked questions
What does ChatGPT cost for businesses?
ChatGPT Business costs $20 per user/month billed annually, $25 billed monthly, starting at two users (source: OpenAI, 2026). ChatGPT Enterprise is negotiated individually; reported figures cluster around $60 per user/month with roughly a 150-seat minimum.
Which model currently powers ChatGPT?
GPT-5.5, OpenAI’s flagship model since April 2026, available in Instant, Thinking, and Pro variants. Instant handles routine tasks quickly; Thinking and Pro add rigor for complex analysis.
Does OpenAI train on my company’s data?
No — not by default for Business and Enterprise access (source: OpenAI, 2026). On the free consumer tier, training use must be actively turned off.
ChatGPT or Claude — which fits better?
ChatGPT offers broader functionality and the larger integration ecosystem. Claude leads on very long documents and complex, multi-step analysis. Many companies run both — the AI tools comparison maps the full market.
How do companies get started with ChatGPT?
With a concrete workflow instead of a bulk license order: pick one process, define roles and rules, measure the result. The right starting point is what the free diagnosis call identifies.