Google Gemini vs. ChatGPT: DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Says “No Plans” for Ads. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has officially clarified that there are “no plans” to place advertisements inside the Gemini chatbot. This statement comes just days after rival OpenAI announced it would begin testing ads in the free and “Go” tiers of ChatGPT, marking a significant divergence in strategy between the two tech giants.
Here is everything you need to know about the future of AI monetization and what Hassabis’s comments mean for your user experience. Google Gemini vs. ChatGPT: DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Says “No Plans” for Ads.
The “No Ads” Promise for Gemini
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Demis Hassabis put rumors to rest during an interview with Axios and The Verge. When asked about the potential for advertising within Gemini, Hassabis was direct.
“We don’t have any plans to do [ads] at the moment.” — Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google
Hassabis went a step further, expressing surprise at OpenAI’s decision to introduce ads so early in the product’s lifecycle. He labeled the move as “premature,” suggesting that introducing commercial interruptions into a conversational interface could degrade the user experience and break the trust essential for a personal AI assistant.
Why Trust Matters More Than Ad Revenue
According to Hassabis, the goal for Gemini is to become a “true universal assistant.” For an AI to be truly helpful, it must be unbiased and trusted by the user.
- The Trust Factor: If an AI recommends a product because of an ad deal, its reliability as an assistant drops.
- The User Experience: Pop-up ads or sponsored messages can break the flow of a natural conversation.
OpenAI’s Pivot: Ads Coming to ChatGPT
The timing of Google’s announcement is critical. It stands in stark contrast to OpenAI’s recent confirmation that it will begin testing ads in ChatGPT starting in February 2026.
OpenAI’s new ad model is expected to impact:
- Free Tier Users: The standard free version of ChatGPT.
- ChatGPT Go: The new, lower-cost subscription tier.
Hassabis commented on this shift, noting, “Maybe they feel they need to make more revenue.” This highlights the financial pressure OpenAI faces to monetize its massive user base, whereas Google has the luxury of a diversified revenue stream.
Strategic Analysis: Why Google Can Afford to Wait
It may seem ironic that Google, a company that invented modern digital advertising, is the one rejecting ads for its chatbot. However, this is a calculated strategic move.
1. The Ecosystem Advantage
Google does not need Gemini to be profitable immediately. The company can subsidize the high costs of running AI models using profits from Google Search, YouTube, and Cloud services. OpenAI, arguably, does not have this same safety net.
2. Protecting the Search Monopoly
Google likely wants to keep Gemini as a premium, clean experience to keep users within the Google ecosystem. If users find Gemini more pleasant to use than an ad-cluttered ChatGPT, they are less likely to switch.
3. Future Monetization
While there are “no plans” now, this doesn’t mean never. However, Google seems to be betting on subscription models (like Gemini Advanced) and enterprise integration rather than turning the chatbot itself into a billboard.
What This Means for You
For the average user, the choice between Gemini and ChatGPT is becoming clearer:
- Choose Google Gemini if you want a clean, ad-free interface and are deeply integrated into the Google Workspace ecosystem.
- Choose ChatGPT if you prefer OpenAI’s specific model capabilities but are willing to tolerate sponsored content (unless you pay for the higher-tier “Plus” or “Pro” subscriptions).
As the AI race heats up in 2026, the battle isn’t just about who has the smarter model—it is about who offers the better user experience. For now, Google is betting that silence (from ads) is golden.
Key Takeaways
- Demis Hassabis confirmed Google has “no plans” to put ads in Gemini.
- OpenAI is rolling out ad tests for ChatGPT Free and Go tiers in early 2026.
- Google’s Strategy prioritizes user trust and ecosystem lock-in over immediate ad revenue.
- Hassabis called OpenAI’s move “premature” and driven by revenue pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will Google Gemini have ads in 2026?
No. As of January 2026, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has confirmed that there are “no plans” to introduce advertisements into the Gemini chatbot. Google is prioritizing user trust and the core assistant experience over immediate monetization.
2. Which version of ChatGPT will have ads?
OpenAI has announced that it will begin testing ads in the Free tier and the new low-cost subscription tier called ChatGPT Go. However, the premium subscriptions—ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Enterprise—will remain ad-free.
3. Why is OpenAI putting ads in ChatGPT but Google is not?
The strategies differ due to revenue models. Google can subsidize Gemini’s high running costs through its profitable Search, YouTube, and Cloud businesses. OpenAI, however, faces immense pressure to monetize its 800 million+ weekly users directly to cover the billions of dollars required for AI server costs.
4. Did Demis Hassabis criticize OpenAI’s decision?
Yes, subtly. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hassabis called OpenAI’s move “premature” and “interesting,” suggesting that adding ads so early could compromise the user’s trust in an AI assistant. He hinted that OpenAI likely made the move because “they feel they need to make more revenue.”
5. Will Google Gemini stay ad-free forever?
While Hassabis stated there are no plans “at the moment,” he did not rule it out permanently. However, for the foreseeable future, Google is focusing on subscription models (like Gemini Advanced) and enterprise integration rather than ad revenue from the chatbot itself.
6. How will ads look in ChatGPT?
According to OpenAI’s announcement, ads will appear in a separate, clearly labeled box below the organic response. For example, if you ask for a dinner recipe, you might see the recipe first, followed by a sponsored suggestion for a relevant grocery item or delivery service.
Conclusion: The Battle for a Clean Interface
As 2026 unfolds, the divergence between Google and OpenAI signals a new chapter in the AI revolution. We are moving past the era of pure technical capability and entering a phase defined by business models and user experience.
Demis Hassabis’s firm stance against ads in Gemini suggests that Google is betting its future on the idea that a personal AI assistant must be, above all, a neutral and trusted partner. By contrast, OpenAI’s decision to test ads in ChatGPT highlights the harsh reality of the costs involved in running these massive models.
For now, users have a clear choice: the ad-supported utility of ChatGPT or the cleaner, premium-focused environment of Google Gemini. While “no plans” doesn’t mean “never,” Google’s current strategy offers a welcome sanctuary for users tired of the digital ad bombardment.
What do you think? Will ads drive you away from ChatGPT, or is it a fair price to pay for free access? Let us know in the comments below!
