OpenAI’s ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used artificial intelligence chatbot by user numbers. However, new estimates from IDC suggest Anthropic may generate more annual revenue despite serving a much smaller audience. The findings highlight contrasting business models within the fast-growing AI industry.
ChatGPT Maintains Largest Global User Base
IDC Research Vice President Arnal Dayaratna estimated that ChatGPT has more than 900 million weekly active users worldwide, placing OpenAI well ahead of other consumer AI chatbot providers. IDC also estimated that Google Gemini serves between 200 million and 250 million weekly active users, while Anthropic’s Claude has between 40 million and 60 million weekly active users. These figures show that OpenAI remains the largest consumer-facing AI platform by a wide margin.
Dayaratna noted that OpenAI has built multiple revenue streams across consumer subscriptions, workplace seats, APIs, and platform services. IDC estimates OpenAI generates between $30 billion and $40 billion in annualized revenue, with consumer subscriptions accounting for about $10 billion to $13 billion, and API and platform services contributing as much as $20 billion. Reports published earlier this month also stated that OpenAI generated $5.7 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026 while spending about $3.7 billion, with a net loss reaching approximately $39 billion in 2025.
Anthropic Builds Revenue Through Enterprise Customers
Although Anthropic serves far fewer users, IDC estimates its annualized revenue stands between $40 billion and $50 billion. Consumer subscriptions contribute less than $2 billion, according to the research firm. Most of Anthropic’s revenue comes from enterprise subscriptions, Claude Code seats, API usage, and other developer-focused workloads. This business mix differs significantly from OpenAI’s larger consumer-focused platform.
Dayaratna commented, “Usage scale tells a different story from revenue mix,” adding that Claude’s business is more focused on enterprise and developer customers than consumer adoption. Anthropic also referenced its May 2026 company blog, which announced its annualized revenue run rate exceeded $47 billion, supporting IDC’s broader revenue estimates.
Research Firms Report Different Strengths for Both Companies
Counterpoint Research reported similar findings in its April 2026 analysis, estimating Anthropic captured 31.4% of global large language model revenue during the first quarter of 2026, with OpenAI following at an estimated 29% market share. Counterpoint also estimated Anthropic generated average monthly revenue of $33.30 per user, compared to OpenAI’s $2.20 per user. During the same period, Counterpoint estimated OpenAI had approximately 900 million monthly active users versus about 65 million for Anthropic.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have reportedly started confidential preparations for possible future public offerings. In May, Anthropic completed a $65 billion Series H funding round that valued the company at $965 billion. The latest estimates present two different measures of success in the AI industry: OpenAI continues to lead by user reach, while IDC estimates suggest Anthropic currently earns more revenue through enterprise customers and developer services. As Dayaratna summarized, “Usage scale tells a different story from revenue mix,” reflecting the divergent strategies followed by both companies.