Plugins in ChatGPT were supposed to revolutionize the way we use artificial intelligence. A video from 2024 shows how to enable and use them – but do they still make sense in 2026? We check what has changed and whether it is still worth using them.
Plugins in ChatGPT – what are they?
Plugins in ChatGPT are external tools that extend the model's capabilities with functions unavailable in the standard version. Thanks to them, in 2024, ChatGPT could:
- Browse the internet in real-time (e.g., using the webpilot plugin).
- Perform advanced calculations (Wolfram Alpha).
- Automate tasks (Zapier).
- Generate charts based on data (Code Interpreter).
- Book flights or compare prices (Expedia, Klarna).
Plugins worked exclusively in GPT-4 and newer models, and their main advantage was the ability to integrate with external services. This meant that ChatGPT stopped being just a "conversationalist" – it became a tool for specific tasks.
How to enable plugins? A step-by-step guide (based on the 2024 video)
The video "Plugins in ChatGPT – how do they work and how to enable them?" shows the configuration process in a simple way. Here is how it looked in 2024:
1. ChatGPT Plus subscription
Plugins were only available to paid users. In 2024, the subscription cost 20 dollars per month.
2. Choosing the GPT-4 model
Plugins did not work in the older GPT-3.5 model. After logging in, you had to switch to GPT-4.
3. Activating "Plugins" mode
In the ChatGPT interface, next to the "Default" and "Browse" options, a "Plugins" tab appeared. After selecting it, you could install and activate plugins.
4. Installing plugins from the Plugin Store
OpenAI provided a plugin store where you could choose from hundreds of available tools. The most popular ones included:
- Wolfram Alpha – scientific and mathematical calculations.
- Zapier – task automation (e.g., sending emails, integration with Google Calendar).
- webpilot – browsing websites.
- Expedia – travel booking.
- Klarna – product price comparison.
5. Using plugins in conversation
ChatGPT automatically decided when to use a plugin. For example, if a user asked about the weather, the model could use a weather plugin. You could also manually force the use of a specific plugin, e.g.: "Use Wolfram Alpha to calculate the derivative of this function."
Plugin limitations
Despite their advantages, plugins had several significant limitations:
- Limit of 3 plugins per conversation – the user had to choose which tools were most necessary.
- Slower performance – using plugins slowed down ChatGPT responses because it required communication with external APIs.
- Compatibility issues – some plugins did not work correctly with newer versions of ChatGPT.
- Privacy concerns – some plugins required access to user data (e.g., Zapier connected to Google or Slack accounts).
Examples of practical plugin use (from the video)
The video presents several scenarios where plugins prove to be particularly useful:
1. Browsing the internet
The user asks ChatGPT to find the latest news about artificial intelligence. The model uses the webpilot plugin to search the internet and return current links.
2. Scientific calculations
The user asks for a differential equation to be solved. ChatGPT delegates the task to Wolfram Alpha and returns the exact solution.
3. Task automation
The user wants ChatGPT to automatically add an event to their Google Calendar. The model uses the Zapier plugin to connect to the Google account and add the event.
4. Travel booking
The user asks for the cheapest flights from Warsaw to New York. ChatGPT uses the Expedia plugin to find and compare offers.
5. Data analysis
The user uploads a CSV file with sales data and asks to generate a chart. ChatGPT uses the Code Interpreter plugin (now Advanced Data Analysis) to process the data and create a chart.
What has changed since 2024? Updates for 2026
More than two years have passed since the video's premiere, and OpenAI has introduced several significant changes that have affected plugin functionality:
1. Introduction of GPT-4o (May 2024)
OpenAI's new model, GPT-4o, integrated many features that previously required plugins. For example:
- Web browser – replaced webpilot-type plugins.
- Code generation – built-in tool for data analysis and programming.
- Multimodal analysis – the ability to recognize images and sound.
As a result, many plugins became redundant because their functions are now available directly in the model.
2. Development of Custom GPTs and GPT Store (2024–2025)
OpenAI focused on Custom GPTs – personalized assistants based on GPT-4 that can be created and shared in the GPT Store. Plugins still work, but their development has slowed down in favor of new solutions.
In 2026, most users use Custom GPTs instead of traditional plugins because they offer greater flexibility and ease of use.
3. Changes in plugin availability
- Some plugins (e.g., Expedia, Klarna) have been integrated directly into the ChatGPT interface.
- OpenAI has limited support for older plugins, encouraging users to use Custom GPTs.
- Plugins are still available, but their importance is declining.
Are plugins still useful in 2026?
Although OpenAI is focusing on new features, plugins still have their applications:
- Specific integrations – if you need a connection to a specific service (e.g., Zapier), plugins can still be useful.
- Older projects – if you have been using plugins for a long time, you can continue to use them, although it is worth considering a migration to Custom GPTs.
- Lack of alternatives – some functions (e.g., scientific calculations in Wolfram Alpha) do not yet have a full equivalent in built-in tools.
However, for most users, Custom GPTs and built-in GPT-4o tools are a more convenient and effective solution.
What are the alternatives to plugins in 2026?
If you are looking for modern solutions that replace plugins, it is worth considering:
1. Custom GPTs
Custom GPTs are personalized versions of ChatGPT that can be tailored to your needs. They can be created without programming knowledge and shared with other users in the GPT Store.
Examples of applications:
- Data analysis assistant.
- Task automation tool (e.g., report generation).
- Specialized chatbot (e.g., for language learning).
2. Assistants API
For developers, OpenAI has released the Assistants API, which allows for the creation of custom assistants with access to tools and plugins. This solution is particularly useful for companies and advanced users.
3. Built-in GPT-4o tools
GPT-4o offers many features that previously required plugins:
- Web browser – searching for current information.
- Code generation – data analysis and programming.
- Multimedia recognition – image and sound analysis.
Summary: is it worth using plugins?
The video "Plugins in ChatGPT – how do they work and how to enable them?" is a great introduction to the topic, but it is worth remembering that a lot has changed since 2024. Here are the most important takeaways:
- Plugins still work, but their importance is declining in favor of Custom GPTs and built-in tools.
- GPT-4o has integrated many features that previously required plugins (e.g., web browser).
- Custom GPTs offer greater flexibility and ease of use.
- If you have been using plugins for a long time, you can continue to use them, but it is worth considering a migration to newer solutions.
For new users, the best choice is Custom GPTs and built-in GPT-4o tools. Plugins may only be useful in specific cases where there is no alternative.
What's next?
If you want to learn more about new ChatGPT features, check out our post about ChatGPT as an assistant on your computer. And if you are interested in the impact of AI on education, read our article about dying and emerging skills in the era of artificial intelligence.
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