# AI Start Compass

> AI tool updates and guides, explained in plain English


## Posts

- [Claude Haiku 5.5 vs Sonnet: Is the Cheaper Model Good Enough? We Tested Both](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-haiku-vs-sonnet/): We gave Claude Haiku 5.5 and Sonnet 5.5 the same five everyday tasks on launch day. Both got every main answer right, and Haiku was a little faster.
- [Claude Opus vs Sonnet: Which Should You Use? We Tested Both](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-opus-vs-sonnet/): We gave Claude Opus 5.5 and Sonnet 5.5 the same five everyday tasks. Both got every main answer right, Sonnet was nearly twice as fast, and Opus was more careful on the hardest one.
- [Claude Sonnet 5.5: What's New and Is It Free? (October 2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-sonnet-5-5/): Claude Sonnet 5.5 launched on 28 September 2026. It's over 30% faster than Sonnet 5 and free users get it. What changed, what we saw in the app, and when to use it.
- [Is ChatGPT Free? Free vs Go, Plus and Pro (October 2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/is-chatgpt-free/): Yes, ChatGPT is free, with unlimited text chats but ads. Here's what Free, Go, Plus and Pro include, UK prices, and when to upgrade.
- [What Are Claude Skills? How to Turn Them On and Use Them (2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-skills/): Claude Skills are ready-made instructions Claude loads by itself for tasks like spreadsheets, Word docs and slides. Here's how to turn them on and make your own.
- [Claude vs ChatGPT: Plans, Prices and Which to Use (October 2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-vs-chatgpt/): Claude and ChatGPT both have free plans and $20 paid plans. Here's what each includes, where they differ, and which to try first.
- [Claude Pro vs Max: Which Plan Do You Need? (October 2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/claude-pro-vs-max/): Claude Pro costs $20 (£18 in the UK). Max costs $100 or $200 for 5x or 20x the usage. Here's what Max actually adds and when it's worth it.
- [Is Claude Free? What You Get Free vs Pro (October 2026)](https://aistartcompass.com/is-claude-free/): Yes, Claude has a free plan. Here's exactly what it includes, what needs Pro ($20/month), and how the usage limit really works.

## Pages

- [Contact](https://aistartcompass.com/contact/): Questions, corrections or ideas for a guide? Send a message below and we'll reply by email.
- [How we check facts](https://aistartcompass.com/how-we-check-facts/): Every guide on AI Start Compass follows the same checks before it goes live, and again whenever a tool changes.
- [About](https://aistartcompass.com/about/): AI Start Compass explains the latest AI tool updates in plain English: what changed in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others, what it costs, and how to actually use it.
- [Privacy Policy](https://aistartcompass.com/privacy-policy/): This policy explains what personal information AI Start Compass (aistartcompass.com) collects and how it is used.


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