GigaChat

GigaChat is a chat assistant and API from Sber, powered by Sber’s own language models: GigaChat 2 (Lite, Pro, Max) and GigaChat 3 Ultra. The second-generation models have a 128,000-token context window.

What it’s for. Writing and answering questions in Russian, editing and writing code, summarization and rewriting, analyzing documents, images, and audio (in Pro and Max), and generating images with built-in features. It’s available on the web (giga.chat), in Telegram and VK, in the MAX app, and via an API for developers.

How the models differ. Lite is the cheapest option and is suited to routine tasks. Pro handles complex instructions and documents better. Max is stronger at exact sciences and long conversations. Ultra is a new model available to individual users only on the free plan.

Pricing. The free 12-month plan for individuals includes 365 million tokens (Lite — 250 million, Pro — 40 million, Max — 25 million, Ultra — 50 million); generation is limited to one stream. Paid monthly packages, including VAT: 20 million Lite tokens — 1300 ₽, 3 million Pro tokens — 1500 ₽, 3 million Max tokens — 1950 ₽. Per 1 million tokens: Lite 65 ₽, Pro 500 ₽, Max 650 ₽. Starting September 1, 2026, new customers will pay for the models on the cloud.ru platform.

Registration and access. You can sign in with a phone number (the code arrives by SMS) or via Sber ID. You don’t need to be a Sber customer: a SIM card from a Russian mobile carrier is enough to get a Sber ID. After registration, the service works without restrictions, and all chats are stored in one place. GigaChat works without restrictions in Russia; if you have access issues, try turning off your VPN. From other countries, you’ll need a Russian IP address and must sign in via Sber ID.

Strengths and limitations. Strengths: a free token package, support for Russian, access without a VPN in Russia, and sign-in via Sber ID. Limitations: outside Russia, you need a Russian IP address and Sber ID; generation on the free plan is limited to one stream, and Ultra is not available to individuals as a paid option.