Google’s Budget-Friendly AI Plus Plan Now Available Worldwide
▼ Summary
– Google has launched its more affordable Google AI Plus plan globally, including in the U.S. where it costs $7.99 per month.
– The plan provides access to AI tools like Gemini, Veo, and NotebookLM, plus 200GB of storage and family sharing for up to five members.
– It is positioned as an entry-level subscription for users who do not need or cannot afford the $20-per-month Google AI Pro plan.
– The pricing varies by region, often costing less than $5 per month in markets like India, to compete with similar plans like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go.
– Existing Google One Premium 2TB subscribers will automatically receive the Google AI Plus plan benefits in the coming days.
Google has made its more affordable Google AI Plus plan available worldwide, marking a significant expansion for users seeking advanced AI tools without a premium price tag. This global rollout now includes the United States, where the service will cost $7.99 per month. The move introduces the budget-friendly tier to an additional 35 countries and territories, building on its initial launch in markets like Indonesia last year.
The plan provides subscribers with a robust suite of features. Users gain access to Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro within the Gemini app, alongside Flow’s AI filmmaking tools and research assistance in NotebookLM. Beyond the AI capabilities, the package includes 200GB of cloud storage and permits sharing plan benefits with up to five family members. Current subscribers to the Google One Premium 2TB tier will automatically receive all these Google AI Plus benefits in the coming days.
Originally conceived for emerging economies, the Google AI Plus plan serves as a strategic entry point. It is tailored for individuals who find the pricier Google AI Pro plan, typically $20 monthly, beyond their needs or budget. By offering a lower-cost alternative, Google aims to onboard a broader, more casual user base into its AI ecosystem. Pricing does adjust regionally; in the United States, the $8 monthly fee positions it as a direct competitor to offerings like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go plan, which carries a similar U.S. price tag. In other markets, costs can be even lower, such as in India where the plan is priced at approximately $4.44 per month.
This pricing strategy is clearly designed to compete for users in emerging markets and attract a vast online population who may develop into regular, paying AI customers over time. For a limited period, new subscribers can take advantage of a promotional offer, receiving 50% off for the first two months of their subscription.
(Source: TechCrunch)
