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New to Grok

New to Grok? Start here

Grok is an AI you can talk to. Grok Bot is an AI that does tasks for you. This page shows you where to begin in five minutes, then where to go next.

Checked October 19, 2026By GrokMag editorsIndependent · not affiliated with SpaceXSI, xAI or X
Short answer

Grok is an AI chatbot from SpaceXSI (formerly xAI). You can try it free at grok.com, in the Grok app or in X. Grok Bot is a separate helper that does tasks for you, and it comes with paid plans from $30 a month. Start with free Grok. Add Grok Bot later if you want work done for you.

Grok in 30 seconds

  • Grok answers questions, writes, explains and makes images. You chat with it, like texting a very well-read friend.
  • Grok Bot works on its own computer in the cloud. It can sort email, research, fill in forms or buy something, and it asks you before anything important.
  • Grok Build is for people who write code. You can skip it if you don’t.

Start in 3 steps

  1. Open Grok. Go to grok.com, download the Grok app, or tap Grok inside X.
  2. Ask something you need today. For example: “Plan a cheap 3-day trip to Austin in November.”
  3. Ask a follow-up. “Make it kid-friendly” or “Shorter, please.” That is how you get great answers.

Want more tips? Read how to use Grok.

What do you want to do?

Pick the one that fits. Each link goes deeper.

ChatAsk questions and get help writingGo → MoneySee what is free and what costs moneyGo → TasksHave an AI do jobs for meGo → CarUse Grok in my TeslaGo → VoiceTalk to it out loudGo → ImagesMake pictures and videosGo → CodeWrite and fix codeGo → PrivacyKeep my data privateGo →

What it costs

  • Free: Grok with limited use.
  • Plus, $8 a month: more Grok, plus Grok Build. No Grok Bot.
  • Premium, $30 a month: adds Grok Bot. When we checked on October 19, 2026, the first month was half price.
  • Super ($100) and Ultra ($200): for heavy users.

Details are on is Grok free? and Grok Bot pricing.

Your first Grok Bot: a notes helper

If your plan includes Grok Bot, an easy first Bot is Notes Bot. You talk, and it saves your ideas and reminders as clean, dated notes in a Google Doc. It pings you when a reminder is due. You add it from its template page with one click.

Good to know: Notes Bot was made by a Grok Bot user, not by SpaceXSI. Look at what it asks to connect before you add it. More ready-made Bots are in the template list.

5 words you will see

  • Model: the “brain” behind Grok. The newest is Grok 4.7.
  • The X Subscription: the plan you pay for Grok with.
  • Bot: one helper inside Grok Bot, with one job.
  • Connector: lets a Bot use one of your apps, like Gmail.
  • Approval: the “yes or no” Grok Bot asks before it sends, buys or deletes.

More words are in the Grok glossary.

Questions people ask

Is Grok free?

Yes, Grok has a free tier with limited use. Grok Bot needs a paid plan, starting with Premium at $30 a month. See is Grok free?

What is the difference between Grok and Grok Bot?

Grok talks with you. Grok Bot does tasks for you on its own computer and asks before anything important. See what Grok Bot is.

Is Grok safe to use?

Treat it like any online service: don’t share passwords or card photos in chat, and check the privacy settings. See Grok privacy.

Next stepWhat is Grok? The full storyRead it →Next stepHow to use Grok wellRead it →
Sources (checked October 19, 2026)
  1. Grok, SpaceXSI (checked Oct 19, 2026)
  2. Grok Bot, SpaceXSI (checked Oct 19, 2026)
  3. Notes Bot template page, x.ai (checked Oct 19, 2026)
  4. Introducing The X Subscription, SpaceXSI (Oct 12, 2026)