GPT 5.5 vs 
Grok 4.6 ChatGPT vs Grok: we tested both on 8 everyday tasks
Letters, a confusing insurance letter, a scam email, dinner, a trip and a bedtime story. We gave GPT 5.5 (the model family behind ChatGPT) and Grok 4.6, made by xAI, exactly the same words and show you what each one wrote.
By chatmodel team Tested with OpenAI GPT 5.5 and Grok 4.6 Updated
The short answer
If you only pick one, pick ChatGPT: it won 4 of our 8 everyday tests, Grok won 1 and 3 were ties. ChatGPT was clearer on the insurance letter, the scam and the money question. Pick Grok when you want the shortest possible answer and you don't need photos or web searches.
- GPT 5.5: 4 wins
- Grok 4.6: 1 win
- 3 ties
Pick GPT 5.5 if…
- You want a confusing letter or a scam message explained clearly, with exact next steps.
- You want to send it a photo or a PDF, or need it to look things up on the web.
Pick Grok 4.6 if…
- You like very short, to-the-point answers.
- You want a quick recipe or a quick draft and you'll add the personal touches yourself.
Opens chatmodel with both ready: type a question and they answer next to each other. How it works
GPT 5.5 vs Grok 4.6 at a glance
| OpenAI GPT 5.5 | Grok 4.6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT) | xAI |
| Best at, in our test | Clear answers with exact next steps | Very short answers that get to the point |
| Weakest at, in our test | Can feel a little plain and brief | Vague on details that matter, like where to report a scam |
| Rounds won (of 8) | 4 (+3 ties) | 1 (+3 ties) |
| Average answer length | About 182 words | About 153 words |
| Average time to answer | About 10 seconds | About 11 seconds |
| Understands photos | Yes | No |
| Reads PDFs and files | Yes | No |
| Searches the web in chatmodel | Yes | No |
| Knows about things up to | December 2025 | February 2026 |
| On chatmodel | Included in Pro | Included in Pro |
The 8 tests, with both real answers
Same words to both, one try each, nothing edited. Press “Ask it yourself” to run any test in chatmodel.
Test 1 · A condolence card
A condolence card: a tie
What we asked
Help me write a short condolence card for my neighbor, whose husband passed away last week. We weren't very close, but he always waved to me in the mornings. I want it to feel warm and sincere, not formal. Keep it under 70 words.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 5 s · 46 words Tie Dear [Neighbor’s Name],
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always appreciated your husband’s friendly wave in the mornings—it was a small kindness that made the day brighter. Please know I’m thinking of you and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
[Your Name]
Grok 4.6 About 8 s · 29 words Tie Dear [Neighbor],
I’m so sorry about your husband’s passing. I’ll miss those friendly morning waves—they always made my day a little brighter. Thinking of you with warmth.
[Your name]
A tie. Both used the morning wave and stayed well under 70 words. Grok's was the shortest, 29 words, and warm (“I'll miss those friendly morning waves”). ChatGPT's was a little fuller and wished her comfort “in the days ahead”. Either is ready to copy.
Test 2 · Understanding a confusing letter
A confusing insurance letter: ChatGPT is clearer
What we asked
I got this letter from my health insurance and I don't understand it. Explain in plain words what it means and what I should do next. "Dear Member, We have reviewed the claim submitted by Riverside Imaging for services rendered on 08/14. The claim has been processed and the allowed amount of $412.00 has been applied to your annual deductible. Your remaining deductible for the plan year is $588.00. This is not a bill. You may receive a statement from your provider for the amount you owe. If you disagree with this decision, you have 180 days to file an appeal."
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 9 s · 234 words Winner This letter is saying:
- Riverside Imaging sent a claim to your insurance for services you had on 08/14.
- Your insurance reviewed it and decided the approved/negotiated cost is $412.00.
- Because you haven’t met your yearly deductible yet, that $412.00 is your responsibility and was counted toward your deductible.
- You now have $588.00 left to pay toward your deductible before your insurance starts paying more according to your plan.
- This letter is not a bill. It’s an explanation of how the insurance processed the claim.
- You may later get a bill from Riverside Imaging asking you to pay the $412.00.
- If you think the insurance handled it incorrectly, you have 180 days to file an appeal.
What you should do next:
- Wait for a bill from Riverside Imaging before paying, unless you already received one.
- If you get a bill, make sure it matches the insurance amount: $412.00.
- If Riverside bills you for more than $412.00, call your insurance company and/or Riverside Imaging to ask why.
- If you don’t understand why it went to your deductible, call your insurance and ask:
“Can you explain why this claim was applied to my deductible and whether $412 is the amount I owe?” - If you believe the claim should have been covered differently, ask the insurance company how to file an appeal within the 180-day deadline.
Grok 4.6 About 9 s · 203 words This is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer, not a bill. It tells you how they processed the claim from Riverside Imaging for services on August 14.
They allowed $412 of that claim and applied it toward your yearly deductible. You now have $588 left to meet your deductible for the rest of the plan year. Once you hit the full deductible, insurance typically starts covering a larger share of eligible costs.
You may later get a separate statement/bill from Riverside Imaging for the amount you owe them (often the allowed $412, or whatever their billed amount is after insurance adjustments). Pay the provider, not the insurance company.
What to do next:
- Keep this letter with your records.
- Watch for the provider’s bill and compare it to this EOB. If the numbers don’t match or you have questions, call the provider’s billing office and/or your insurer.
- If you disagree with how they processed the claim, you have 180 days from the date of this notice to file an appeal (the letter should include instructions or a number to call).
If anything still isn’t clear, contact the number on the letter or your insurance card with the claim details.
Winner: GPT 5.5. Both said it's not a bill. ChatGPT said plainly that the $412 is “your responsibility” and told you to check the bill matches it. Grok said you'd owe “often the allowed $412, or whatever their billed amount is after insurance adjustments”, which leaves you less sure what to pay.
Test 3 · Spotting a scam
Spotting a scam: ChatGPT gives the exact address
What we asked
Is this email a scam? What should I do? "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. To avoid return to sender, please confirm your details and pay the $1.99 redelivery fee within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-help.com/track"
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 9 s · 183 words Winner Yes — this is very likely a scam/phishing message.
Red flags:
- USPS generally does not ask for a small “redelivery fee” by text/email through random links.
- The link is not an official USPS domain. Official USPS sites use usps.com.
- It creates urgency: “within 24 hours.”
- It asks you to confirm personal details and pay, likely to steal your information or card number.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link and do not enter any information.
- If you already clicked but didn’t enter anything, close the page.
- If you entered card details, contact your bank/card issuer immediately, report possible fraud, and request a replacement card if needed.
- If you entered passwords or personal information, change affected passwords and watch for identity-theft attempts.
- Check package status only by going directly to https://www.usps.com/ or using the official USPS app and entering a real tracking number.
- Report it:
- Forward suspicious USPS-related messages to spam@uspis.gov
- You can also report phishing to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Delete the message and mark it as spam/phishing.
Grok 4.6 About 10 s · 185 words Yes, this is almost certainly a scam (phishing).
This matches a very common USPS-themed phishing campaign. Real USPS communications:
- Come from official domains (usps.com or similar, not usps-redelivery-help.com).
- Do not demand a tiny “redelivery fee” via an unsolicited email link with a 24-hour deadline.
- Use your actual tracking number and known package details if they contact you at all.
The goal is to get you to click the fake link, enter personal/payment details, or download malware.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link, enter any information, or pay anything.
- Delete the email (and any similar ones).
- If you were expecting a real package, go directly to the official USPS site (usps.com) or use the tracking number you already have from the sender—never a link in an unexpected email.
- Consider reporting it as phishing to USPS (via their official site) and/or your email provider.
- If you already clicked or entered details, monitor your accounts, change passwords, and watch for unauthorized charges.
Stay cautious with any unexpected “pay a small fee or your package is returned” messages.
Winner: GPT 5.5. Both said clearly it's a scam and told you not to click. ChatGPT gave the right place to report it, spam@uspis.gov, plus reportfraud.ftc.gov, and what to do if you already entered your card. Grok only said to report it “via their official site”, without saying where.
Test 4 · A firm but polite complaint
A complaint to an airline: a tie
What we asked
Write a firm but polite email to an airline. My suitcase was lost on my flight five days ago, I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213), and nobody has contacted me since. I want an update and to know how to claim for the things I had to buy. Keep it short.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 6 s · 92 words Tie Subject: Lost Baggage Update Requested – Ref. LX-48213
Dear Customer Service,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which was lost on my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport under reference LX-48213, but I have not received any update since.
Please provide an update on the status of my baggage as soon as possible. I would also like information on how to claim reimbursement for essential items I have had to purchase while waiting for my suitcase.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Grok 4.6 About 5 s · 92 words Tie Subject: Follow-up on Lost Baggage – Reference LX-48213
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which was lost on my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213) but have received no update or contact since.
Please provide a status update on the search for my luggage. Additionally, kindly advise on the process to claim reimbursement for essential items I have had to purchase in the meantime.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Booking/Flight Details if known]
A tie. The two emails were almost the same: short, firm, polite, with the reference number LX-48213 and a request for how to claim for what you had to buy. Grok left spaces for your contact and flight details, which saves a step.
Test 5 · Dinner from what's in the fridge
Dinner from what's in the fridge: Grok, short and safe
What we asked
I have 4 chicken thighs, some potatoes, 3 carrots, half an onion and a lemon. Suggest one easy dinner for four that takes under 45 minutes, with short numbered steps.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 8 s · 141 words Easy Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots
Serves 4 • About 40–45 minutes
Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a baking tray if you like.
Prep vegetables: Cut potatoes into small chunks, carrots into sticks or coins, and slice the half onion.
Season everything: On the tray, toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs/spices you have. Add the chicken thighs and season them too.
Add lemon: Squeeze half the lemon over everything, then slice the other half and place slices on or around the chicken.
Roast: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. If the chicken skin needs crisping, broil/grill for the last 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Rest for 5 minutes, then serve one thigh per person with the roasted vegetables.
Grok 4.6 About 6 s · 85 words Winner One-pan lemon-roasted chicken thighs with potatoes & carrots (serves 4, ~40 min total).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes and carrots into 1-inch chunks; slice the half onion.
- Toss veggies with 2 Tbsp oil, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Season 4 chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and lemon zest; nestle them among the veggies and squeeze lemon juice over everything.
- Roast 30–35 min until chicken reaches 165°F internally and veggies are tender (flip chicken halfway if desired).
Winner: Grok 4.6. Both suggested the same easy lemon chicken tray bake. Grok did it in 4 short steps, as asked, and was the only one to give the safe cooking temperature for chicken (165°F inside). ChatGPT's steps were clear too, with a handy tip to crisp the skin under the broiler.
Test 6 · Explaining money in plain words
Explaining money in plain words: ChatGPT sounds like a friend
What we asked
Explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA in plain words, like you'd explain it to a friend over coffee. Keep it under 150 words and add one simple example.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 6 s · 125 words Winner A traditional IRA and a Roth IRA are both retirement accounts, but the main difference is when you pay taxes.
With a traditional IRA, you may get a tax break now when you put money in. But later, when you take money out in retirement, you pay taxes on it.
With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes now because you contribute money from your paycheck after taxes. But later, in retirement, you can usually take the money out tax-free.
Simple example:
If you put $5,000 into a traditional IRA, it might lower your taxable income this year. If you put $5,000 into a Roth IRA, no tax break now—but if it grows to $20,000 by retirement, you may be able to withdraw that $20,000 tax-free.
Grok 4.6 About 11 s · 91 words Hey, over coffee: Traditional IRA lets you deduct contributions now (lower taxes today), but you pay income tax on withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRA uses after-tax money (no deduction now), but qualified withdrawals—including growth—are tax-free later.
Example: Put in $6,000. Traditional: Tax break this year, but the $6k plus earnings get taxed when you take it out. Roth: Pay taxes upfront, then the $6k plus earnings come out tax-free if you follow the rules (age 59½, account open 5+ years). Pick based on whether you expect higher taxes now or later.
Winner: GPT 5.5. Both were correct. ChatGPT used everyday words and a simple example ($5,000 that grows to $20,000, taken out tax-free). Grok was accurate and added the rules (age 59½, account open 5 years), but words like “qualified withdrawals” are not how you'd talk over coffee. Neither replaces a financial adviser.
Test 7 · A bedtime story for a grandchild
A bedtime story: a tie
What we asked
Write a short bedtime story, about 200 words, for my 6-year-old grandson Leo, who loves dinosaurs and is a bit scared of the dark. Make it calm, with a gentle happy ending.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 13 s · 202 words Tie Leo and the Little Night Dinosaur
One evening, Leo snuggled under his blanket while the moon peeked through the curtains. His room was quiet, and the corners looked a little too shadowy.
Just then, he heard a tiny tap tap tap.
Out from behind his toy box stepped a small green dinosaur with sleepy eyes and a soft, swishy tail.
“Hello,” whispered the dinosaur. “I’m Pip. I’m a Nightasaurus.”
Leo blinked. “Are you scary?”
Pip shook his head. “Oh no. Nightasauruses help children remember that the dark is only the daytime resting.”
Leo looked around. “But the shadows look strange.”
Pip padded over to the wall. “That’s your chair, wearing a shadow hat. And that’s your teddy, making a big teddy shape.” He gave a gentle yawn. “Nothing in your room changes when the light goes out.”
Leo smiled a little.
Pip curled up beside the bed. “If you feel worried, take a slow dinosaur breath. In… and out…”
Leo breathed in. Then out.
The room felt softer now. The moon shone like a quiet night-light, and Pip’s tail made a cozy little swoosh.
“Goodnight, Leo,” whispered Pip.
“Goodnight, Pip,” Leo murmured.
And with a happy heart, Leo drifted gently to sleep.
Grok 4.6 About 15 s · 190 words Tie Leo and the Sleepy Dinosaurs
Little Leo loved dinosaurs more than anything. Every night he hugged his favorite toy T-Rex, Rexy, but when the lights went out the dark room felt too big and a little scary.
One quiet evening Rexy seemed to whisper, “Don’t worry, Leo. The dark is just like the cozy caves where dinosaurs rest after a long day of playing.”
Leo closed his eyes and imagined a gentle Diplodocus stretching its long neck toward the stars. The stars twinkled like tiny friendly lanterns. A sleepy Stegosaurus hummed a soft lullaby, its plates glowing like warm night-lights. Even a little Triceratops curled up nearby, snoring peacefully.
“See?” Rexy said. “Nighttime is when we dinosaurs dream of tomorrow’s adventures. The moon is like a big round egg watching over us all.”
The shadows weren’t monsters at all—they were just sleepy dinosaur shapes. Leo felt warm and safe. He hugged Rexy tighter and whispered, “Goodnight, dinosaurs.”
He drifted off dreaming of flying with kind Pterodactyls over a starry sky, knowing the dark was simply a soft blanket of peace.
Leo slept soundly, ready for another day of dinosaur fun.
A tie. Both made Leo the hero and turned the dark into something cozy. ChatGPT gave him a little friend named Pip and a “slow dinosaur breath” to calm down. Grok filled the night with gentle dinosaurs, from a humming Stegosaurus to a snoring Triceratops, which a dinosaur fan will love.
Test 8 · Planning a short trip
Planning a trip: ChatGPT, for the food
What we asked
Plan a relaxed 3-day trip to Lisbon for my wife and me. We're in our sixties, we don't want long walks up steep hills, and we love food and views. Give a simple plan for each day with one or two tips.
OpenAI GPT 5.5 About 20 s · 431 words Winner Day 1: Baixa, Chiado & a Sunset View
Morning:
Start in Baixa, Lisbon’s flatter downtown area. Stroll around Praça do Comércio by the river, then take your time along the elegant streets toward Rossio Square.
Lunch:
Have a relaxed seafood lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro or a traditional meal at Solar dos Presuntos.
Afternoon:
Take the Santa Justa Lift or a taxi up toward Chiado for coffee and pastries. Visit Bertrand Bookshop or sit at a café near Largo do Chiado.
Evening:
Enjoy the view from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, then have dinner nearby in Bairro Alto or Príncipe Real.
Tips:
- Use taxis or Bolt/Uber for uphill sections; they’re inexpensive and save energy.
- Go to viewpoints by car when possible, then walk only short distances.
Day 2: Belém, Monuments & Pastéis de Nata
Morning:
Take a taxi or tram to Belém, a mostly flat and easy area by the river. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and see the Belém Tower from the outside.
Lunch:
Eat at O Prado or try a riverside restaurant such as À Margem for a relaxed meal with views.
Afternoon:
Stop at Pastéis de Belém for the famous custard tarts. If you enjoy museums, visit the MAAT or the Coach Museum, both manageable and not too strenuous.
Evening:
Return to central Lisbon and have dinner in Cais do Sodré or Time Out Market if you want lots of food choices in one place.
Tips:
- Belém is one of the best areas for avoiding steep hills.
- Visit Jerónimos early to avoid the longest lines.
Day 3: Alfama Views Without the Climb & a Special Dinner
Morning:
Take a taxi up to Castelo de São Jorge or directly to Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Enjoy the classic Lisbon views over Alfama and the river without walking uphill.
Lunch:
Have lunch in Alfama at a small traditional restaurant, or take a taxi down to Praça do Comércio for an easier, flatter option.
Afternoon:
Ride the scenic Tram 28 for part of the route if it’s not too crowded, or choose a private tuk-tuk tour for a more comfortable way to see the old neighborhoods.
Evening:
Book a memorable final dinner:
- Bairro do Avillez for modern Portuguese food
- Alma or Belcanto for a Michelin-starred experience
- A gentle Fado dinner in Alfama or Chiado if you’d enjoy music
Tips:
- Alfama is beautiful but very hilly and uneven, so use taxis between stops.
- For Tram 28, board early in the day or skip it if the line is long.
Grok 4.6 About 25 s · 345 words Day 1: Belém (riverfront, history, and pastries)
Take a taxi or tram 15 from central Lisbon to Belém. Stroll the mostly flat riverside path to see the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (exterior views are enough if you skip interiors). Have lunch or an early snack at Pastéis de Belém for the famous custard tarts, then enjoy MAAT museum’s rooftop or nearby river views of the 25 de Abril Bridge. Return by taxi in the late afternoon.
Tips: Go to Pastéis de Belém mid-morning to avoid the longest queues. Book a riverside table for sunset if you stay for dinner.
Day 2: Baixa, Chiado, and easy viewpoints
Start in the relatively flat Baixa district (Rossio Square area). Ride the Santa Justa Elevator for panoramic city views without climbing. Walk a short, level stretch to Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré for a relaxed lunch with many food stalls (seafood, petiscos, wine). In the afternoon take a taxi or short funicular ride to a viewpoint such as São Pedro de Alcântara for more vistas, then taxi back.
Tips: Use Uber/Bolt for any uphill bits—they’re inexpensive and plentiful. Time Out Market is casual and air-conditioned, ideal if you want variety without committing to one restaurant.
Day 3: Parque das Nações (modern, flat, and scenic)
Taxi to this eastern waterfront district, which is almost entirely level. Visit the Oceanarium if you like, ride the cable car for elevated river and Vasco da Gama Bridge views, then wander the promenade. Lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the water.
Tips: The cable car and promenade give excellent views with almost no walking effort. This area is quieter and more spacious than the historic centre, so it’s a gentle last day.
Overall: Base yourselves in Baixa or along Avenida da Liberdade for flatter streets and easy taxi access. Lisbon’s hills are real, so treat taxis, trams, and elevators as your default transport. Comfortable shoes still help for short distances, and most places accept cards. Enjoy the food and the light—Lisbon delivers both generously.
Winner: GPT 5.5. Both kept to the flat parts of Lisbon and used taxis for the hills. Grok had a good idea for a gentle last day, the flat riverside at Parque das Nações with its cable car. But the couple said they love food, and ChatGPT named restaurants for lunch and dinner every day, down to a fado dinner on the last night.
Scorecard
| Test | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1. A condolence card | Tie |
| 2. Understanding a confusing letter | GPT 5.5 |
| 3. Spotting a scam | GPT 5.5 |
| 4. A firm but polite complaint | Tie |
| 5. Dinner from what's in the fridge | Grok 4.6 |
| 6. Explaining money in plain words | GPT 5.5 |
| 7. A bedtime story for a grandchild | Tie |
| 8. Planning a short trip | GPT 5.5 |
| Total | GPT 5.5 4 · Grok 4.6 1 · 3 ties |
What it costs, in plain words
OpenAI and xAI each sell their own monthly plan for ChatGPT and Grok. If you want both, that means two subscriptions.
In chatmodel, GPT 5.5 and Grok 4.6 are both included in one plan, Pro, together with Claude, Gemini and many other models. You can also start for free with Instant. See the current prices on the pricing page.
Can you trust what they say?
Both are good, and both can still make mistakes. In our test neither got a fact wrong, but Grok was vague exactly where it mattered: it told you to report the scam “via their official site” without saying where, and it hedged on how much you’d owe. A short answer is quicker to read, but it can leave out the one detail you needed.
Keep in mind what each can do in chatmodel, too. GPT 5.5 can search the web and read photos and PDFs. Grok 4.6 works with the text you type, so for anything recent, check the date of what it tells you.
A few simple habits help:
- Double-check anything you’ll act on: phone numbers, web addresses, dates and amounts.
- Health, money and legal questions: use the answer to understand your situation and prepare questions, then confirm with a doctor, adviser or the company itself.
- Don’t share what you wouldn’t share with a stranger: passwords, full card numbers or ID numbers.
How we tested
We wrote 8 everyday tasks, the kind of things people actually ask: a condolence card, an insurance letter, a scam email, a complaint, dinner, a money question, a bedtime story and a trip. We gave GPT 5.5 and Grok 4.6 exactly the same words in chatmodel, one try each, and kept what came back without editing it. Then we compared the answers for accuracy, how well they followed the request and how useful they’d be to a real person.
One try each is a small test. The same model can answer a little differently each time, so treat the winners as a guide, not a final score. You can run any of these tests yourself with one click. To see how ChatGPT did against Claude, read ChatGPT vs Claude.
What changed
- First test: GPT 5.5 and Grok 4.6, 8 everyday tasks, one try each.