How to choose a GPT-4o alternative

First, separate the model from the app

GPT-4o is a model; ChatGPT is OpenAI's product built around models and a broader interface. On January 29, 2026, OpenAI announced GPT-4o would retire from ChatGPT on February 13, 2026, and said there were no API changes at the time of the announcement. That describes the announced product change and the API status at that moment. It does not promise that an API or third-party route remains available today. Check the current availability with the provider you plan to use. Read OpenAI's announcement for its scope and date.

Third-party access also depends on the service and model provider in the request path. Before relying on any app, look for a clear statement of which model it requests, how it handles an outage, and what happens to prompts and responses.

Option 1: choose a current all-in-one chat product

If you mainly want a polished assistant with current product features, compare the provider's current chat offerings. Check which models are available on your plan, what tools the product includes, how it stores history, and whether existing projects or settings carry over. A current product model may behave differently from GPT-4o. Do not assume a similarly named model or a warm conversational style will produce identical answers, tone, or compatibility with old prompts.

Option 2: use an independent app focused on GPT-4o

Fouro is one independent option configured to request GPT-4o through OpenRouter. It keeps a single model request, provides text chat, and does not intentionally fall back to another model if GPT-4o is unavailable. That narrow scope can suit someone who wants to try a GPT-4o conversation without configuring their own API client. It does not recreate ChatGPT's private prompts, interface, routing, or complete set of tools, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.

Fouro guest access allows 5 requests per UTC day and 10 per UTC month per signed browser installation; guest conversations do not save to history or Memory. A Free signed-in account allows 10 requests per UTC day and 100 per UTC month with account-scoped saved history and user-controlled Memory. See how GPT-4o access works in Fouro and review the Privacy Policy before using it.

Option 3: build with a model API

An API is a better fit if you need custom software, automated workflows, or control over how an application sends and stores data. It also means you manage authentication, billing, error handling, privacy, rate limits, and changes in model availability. Read the provider's current model documentation and terms rather than relying on old examples. API access is not the same as a consumer chat subscription, and using a model through an API will not give you ChatGPT's product features.

Compare the details that affect your choice

• Model: Is the named model available now, and what happens when it is not?
• Tools: Do you need image input, web search, file handling, voice, or code execution? Confirm each feature rather than inferring it from the model name.
• Data: Find out whether chats are saved, which companies process them, and whether you can delete account history.
• Limits and price: Compare daily and monthly allowances, subscription renewal terms, and usage limits beyond plan quotas.
• Portability: Decide whether you need to export conversations, reuse prompts, or keep your own application state.

Try the option that matches your goal

If you want to test Fouro's text-only GPT-4o chat, start a guest conversation. Guest chats are not saved. Review Fouro plans and pricing if you need saved history, account Memory, or Pro preferences. If you require a feature Fouro does not offer, choose a product that documents that feature directly.