Short answer: Grok is the AI assistant built by xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, which became part of SpaceX in February 2026 and now operates under the SpaceXSI brand. Grok can chat, reason, write code, search the web and X in real time, talk by voice, and generate images and video through Grok Imagine. As of November 2026 its flagship model is Grok 4.7, and you can use it free with limits or through paid tiers of The X Subscription, which start at $8 per month.
This guide explains what Grok is, what it can actually do today, what it costs, and how to get started, along with the limitations you should know before you rely on it.
Last checked against official sources: November 2, 2026. AI pricing changes often, so always confirm on the official pricing page before you buy.
Who makes Grok?
Grok was launched in 2023 by xAI, the AI startup Elon Musk founded. On February 2, 2026, SpaceX announced it had acquired xAI in a deal that, according to Reuters, valued SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion. In October 2026 Musk said the AI unit would be renamed SpaceXSI (“super intelligence”), following a push by President Donald Trump to use that term, Reuters reported. The official site, x.ai, now carries the SpaceXSI name, but the product is still called Grok.
For the bigger corporate picture, read our explainer on how Elon Musk’s xAI is changing the AI industry.
What can Grok do? Key features in 2026
1. Chat and reasoning with Grok 4.7
According to xAI’s model documentation, Grok 4.7 is “our flagship model for code and everything else,” with agentic tool calling, configurable reasoning and a 500,000-token context window. Its stated knowledge cut-off is May 2026, which is why live search matters for anything newer.
In practice that means Grok can handle long documents, multi-step questions and back-and-forth analysis in one conversation.
2. Real-time information from X and the web
Grok’s best-known differentiator is its connection to X (formerly Twitter). It can search public posts and the wider web to answer questions about breaking news, trends and live conversations. We cover how this works, and where it goes wrong, in Can Grok access real-time information from X?
3. Grok Imagine: images and video
Grok Imagine creates and edits images and short videos. xAI lists Grok Imagine Image 2.0 and Grok Imagine Video 1.5 as its current creative models. Video 1.5 supports text-to-video and image-to-video clips of 1 to 15 seconds with native audio, up to 1080p (xAI docs). See our full guide: What is Grok Imagine?
4. Voice
Grok supports real-time voice conversations in its apps, and developers can use the Voice API for speech-to-speech, text-to-speech and speech-to-text.
5. Coding
Grok 4.7 is positioned as xAI’s main coding model, and paid tiers of The X Subscription include Cursor, the AI code editor, with a shared Grok usage pool (x.ai). There is also a cheaper coding model, grok-build-0.1, on the API.
6. Agents (Grok Bot)
Premium and higher plans include Grok Bot, an agent that can carry out multi-step tasks on your behalf. The Plus plan does not include it (xAI docs).
Grok pricing in 2026
In October 2026 xAI replaced standalone SuperGrok sign-ups for new self-serve customers with The X Subscription, a single plan covering Grok, Cursor and X Premium. Existing SuperGrok and X Premium subscribers can keep their plans or switch. List prices from x.ai/pricing and xAI’s docs:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Included Grok usage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | Limited | Daily Grok access, starter Cursor allowance, standard X |
| Plus | $8 | $80 | Base | More Grok and Cursor usage, X checkmark, fewer ads |
| Premium | $30 | $300 | 4x Plus | Latest Grok models, Grok Bot, images and video, Cursor Pro-level coding |
| Super | $100 | $1,000 | 15x Plus | 1080p, 15-second videos, priority access at peak times |
| Ultra | $200 | $2,000 | 50x Plus | Highest usage |
Prices are in US dollars and exclude VAT or sales tax, which matters for readers in the UK, EU and UAE. TechCrunch reports that Premium or higher is required to access the latest Grok models. For a deeper breakdown, read Is Grok AI free?
API pricing for developers
| Model | Context | Input (per 1M tokens) | Output (per 1M tokens) |
|---|---|---|---|
| grok-4.7 | 500K | $2.00 | $6.00 |
| grok-build-0.1 | 256K | $1.00 | $2.00 |
| grok-4.3 | 1M | $1.25 | $2.50 |
Source: xAI API pricing. Prompts of 200K tokens or more are billed at higher long-context rates, and the US regional endpoint costs 10% more.
How to use Grok: step by step
- Pick where you’ll use it. Grok is available at grok.com, in the Grok apps for iOS and Android, and inside X through the Grok tab.
- Sign in. You can sign in with an X account or other supported options. Connecting your X account unlocks X Premium perks on paid plans.
- Start with a clear prompt. Say what you want, who it’s for and the format. Example: “Summarise today’s main AI news in five bullet points for a UK small-business owner and link the sources.”
- Turn on search when you need fresh facts. For anything after May 2026, ask Grok to search the web or X and to cite its sources.
- Use Imagine for visuals. Open Imagine, describe the scene, then refine it or animate it into a short video.
- Upgrade only if you hit limits. Most casual users can test Grok on the free tier first.
For practical prompt templates, see How to use Grok AI for research, writing and coding.
Grok vs other AI assistants at a glance
| Grok | ChatGPT | Claude | Gemini | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | xAI / SpaceXSI | OpenAI | Anthropic | |
| Flagship (Nov 2026) | Grok 4.7 | GPT-6 | Fable 5.1 / Opus 5.5 | Gemini 4 Argon |
| Entry paid plan | $8 (Plus) | $8 (Go) | $20 (Pro) | $4.99 (AI Plus) |
| Standout | Live X data, bundled X + Cursor | Broadest feature set | Long-form writing, coding agents | Google apps integration |
Full comparisons: Grok vs ChatGPT and Grok vs Claude vs Gemini.
Limitations and concerns to keep in mind
- It can be wrong. Like every large language model, Grok can state errors confidently. Check important facts yourself, especially anything medical, legal, financial or tax-related.
- X is not a verified news source. Real-time posts can include rumours and misinformation, and Grok may repeat them.
- Safety controversies. Grok’s image tools have faced serious criticism. TechCrunch, citing the Washington Post, reported that loosened restrictions contributed to misuse of Grok for non-consensual sexual imagery. Businesses should review content policies before deploying it.
- Usage limits. Free use is capped, and even paid tiers draw from a shared weekly pool.
- Regional differences. Features and model access can vary by country and account.
- Privacy. Read xAI’s data and training settings before you paste in confidential material.
Grok’s main features: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Native, live access to public X posts | Social posts are unverified and can mislead |
| 500K-token context on Grok 4.7 for long documents | Free tier limits are not published in detail |
| Images and short videos with audio in the same app | Image tools have a controversial safety record |
| Paid plans bundle Grok, Cursor and X Premium | Plans and branding have changed often in 2026 |
| Competitive API pricing for developers | Fewer office-suite integrations than Google or Microsoft tools |
Five practical things to try in your first week
1. A daily news brief
Prompt: “Search the web and X for the three most important AI stories from the last 24 hours. For each, give two sentences, label the source type (official, news outlet, social post) and add a link.”
Why: it shows Grok’s real-time strength and trains you to check sources.
2. Summarise a long document
Upload a report or paste a long policy and ask: “Summarise this for a busy manager in 10 bullets, then list three questions I should ask the author.” The 500K context window means most reports fit in one go.
3. Draft and improve an email
“Draft a polite email to a supplier asking to move our delivery date by one week. UK English, under 120 words.” Then: “Make it firmer but still friendly.”
4. Explain code or a spreadsheet formula
Paste the formula or function and ask Grok to explain it line by line, then suggest a simpler version.
5. Make a simple visual
In Imagine: “Flat illustration of a laptop with charts, teal and navy colours, 16:9, no text.” Useful for slides or social posts. Avoid real people and brand logos.
Where you can use Grok
| Surface | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| grok.com (web) | Long sessions, uploads, desktop work | Works in any modern browser |
| Grok app (iOS/Android) | Voice, quick questions, Imagine on the go | Available on the app stores |
| Grok tab on X | Questions about posts and trends | Requires an X account |
| xAI API | Building apps and automations | Pay as you go; see API pricing |
| Cursor | Coding with Grok models | Included with paid X Subscription plans |
Regional notes: US, UK, EU, Canada and UAE
xAI lists prices in US dollars and says they exclude taxes such as VAT (x.ai/pricing). What you actually pay depends on where you live and how you subscribe:
- United States: list prices, plus any state sales tax.
- United Kingdom: digital services sold to UK consumers are generally subject to VAT at the standard 20% rate (GOV.UK).
- European Union: VAT is charged at your country’s rate, which ranges from 17% to 27% (European Commission).
- Canada: GST/HST may apply to digital services from foreign suppliers, depending on your province (Canada Revenue Agency).
- UAE: VAT is 5% (UAE Federal Tax Authority).
App-store purchases may be priced in local currency and can differ from web prices, so compare both before subscribing. We haven’t listed local-currency prices because xAI doesn’t publish them on its pricing page.
Is Grok right for you?
- Choose Grok if you follow news, markets or creators on X, want images and video in the same tool, or would pay for X Premium or Cursor anyway.
- Look elsewhere if you mainly need deep Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 integration, or if your organisation has strict content-safety requirements you can’t yet verify with xAI.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice. Laws, pricing and product features (including AI regulations such as GDPR, the EU AI Act and UAE rules) change frequently and vary by country. Verify details with official sources and consult a qualified professional before acting. taxtotech.com is not affiliated with xAI, X, OpenAI, Anthropic or Google.
FAQ
Is Grok made by Elon Musk?
Grok is built by xAI, the company Elon Musk founded in 2023. Since February 2026 xAI has been part of SpaceX, and its AI unit now uses the SpaceXSI name.
What is the latest Grok model?
As of November 2026, xAI’s documentation lists Grok 4.7 as its flagship model, with a 500K-token context window and a May 2026 knowledge cut-off.
How much does Grok cost?
Grok has a free tier. Paid plans under The X Subscription cost $8 (Plus), $30 (Premium), $100 (Super) or $200 (Ultra) per month, before tax.
Is SuperGrok still available?
Existing SuperGrok subscribers can keep their plan, but new self-serve customers now choose from The X Subscription plans.
Can I use Grok without an X account?
Yes. You can use Grok through grok.com and the Grok apps. Connecting X adds X Premium benefits on paid plans.
Is Grok available in the UK, EU and UAE?
Grok is offered globally, but features and model access can vary by region and account. Check availability in the app for your country.
Conclusion
Grok has grown from a sarcastic chatbot inside X into a full AI platform: a 500K-context flagship model, live X and web search, image and video generation, coding through Cursor and agents through Grok Bot. Its biggest strengths are real-time awareness and the value of the X Subscription bundle. Its weaknesses are the ones every AI tool shares, plus a safety record that deserves attention. Try the free tier, test it on your own tasks and compare it with the alternatives before you pay.
