Claude 3.7 Sonnet has emerged as a groundbreaking advancement in natural language processing and reasoning capabilities. Released as Anthropic's most intelligent model to date, it represents the first hybrid reasoning model on the market, capable of both near-instant responses and extended, step-by-step thinking that's visible to users. However, recent changes to Anthropic's access policy have placed this powerful tool behind a paywall for direct access through Claude.ai. Is this temporary or permanent? No one can be sure about that.
Has Claude 3.7 Sonnet Been Removed from the Free Plan?
If you were using Claude 3.7 Sonnet and suddenly lost access, you’re not alone. Many users have reported that after a single prompt, they received a notification requiring them to upgrade to a paid Pro plan to continue using it. This follows the same pattern as Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which was temporarily removed from free access before being made available again.
While this change is disappointing for free-tier users, there are still ways to use Claude 3.7 Sonnet without a direct paid subscription. Below, we explore three alternatives to continue leveraging this powerful AI model without upgrading.
1. Accessing Claude 3.7 Sonnet for Free Through Cursor
Cursor represents perhaps the most straightforward path to accessing Claude 3.7 Sonnet without a paid subscription. This AI-powered code editor has integrated Claude 3.7 Sonnet directly into its platform, offering free access to all users regardless of subscription status. For developers seeking Claude's advanced coding capabilities, Cursor provides an exceptional opportunity to leverage this powerful model at no cost.
Setting up Cursor to use Claude 3.7 Sonnet involves a simple two-step process:
Step 1: Download and Install Cursor: Visit the official Cursor website and download the appropriate version for your operating system. The installation process is straightforward and similar to other code editors.
Step 2: Select Claude 3.7 Sonnet as the LLM Model: Once Cursor is installed, open the application and navigate to the LLM model selection settings. Choose Claude 3.7 Sonnet from the available options.
This way, you will be able to use Claude 3.7 Sonnet for free.
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Leveraging GitHub Copilot's Free Trial for Claude 3.7 Sonnet Access
GitHub Copilot offers another pathway to access Claude 3.7 Sonnet through its 30-day free trial of Copilot Pro. While this method doesn't provide permanent free access, it does offer a substantial window to leverage Claude 3.7 Sonnet's capabilities without payment. For developers working on time-sensitive projects or those wanting to evaluate Claude 3.7 Sonnet before committing to a paid subscription, this option provides valuable flexibility.
GitHub Copilot has integrated Claude 3.7 Sonnet into its premium tiers, making it available through Copilot Chat within Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, and immersive chat on github.com/copilot. This integration brings Claude's powerful reasoning and coding capabilities directly into environments that many developers already use daily.
To access Claude 3.7 Sonnet through GitHub Copilot's free trial:
Step 1: Sign Up for Copilot Pro Trial: Visit GitHub's Copilot Pro page and sign up for the 30-day free trial. This requires providing billing information, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the trial period ends.
Step 2: Install Copilot Extensions: Ensure you have the appropriate Copilot extensions installed in your development environment (Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, or github.com/copilot).
Step 3: Enable Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Once your Copilot Pro trial is active, you can enable Claude 3.7 Sonnet through the model selector within Copilot Chat.
Step 4: Cancel Before Trial End: To avoid charges, remember to cancel your subscription before the 30-day trial period concludes.
3. Free Access to Claude 3.7 Sonnet Using Trae
Trae, a relatively new AI-powered code editor from ByteDance, offers perhaps the most generous free access to Claude 3.7 Sonnet. Unlike Cursor and GitHub Copilot, which have various limitations or trial periods, Trae provides unlimited free access to Claude 3.7 Sonnet for all users. This makes it an exceptionally valuable option for developers seeking ongoing free access to this powerful model.
Trae makes Claude 3.7 Sonnet accessible to all users, regardless of subscription tier. This democratized access represents a significant opportunity for developers who need Claude's advanced capabilities but cannot justify the cost of a paid subscription.
To start using Claude 3.7 Sonnet through Trae:
Step 1: Download and Install Trae: Visit Trae's official website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
Step 2: Launch and Configure: After installation, launch Trae and navigate to the AI model settings.
Step 3: Select Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Choose Claude 3.7 Sonnet from the available AI models to start leveraging its capabilities.
Conclusion: How to Continue Using Claude 3.7 Sonnet Without Paying
While Claude 3.7 Sonnet is no longer available in the free plan, you still have three solid alternatives to continue using it:
- Cursor – Free integration with AI-powered coding assistance.
- GitHub Copilot – Free 30-day trial with access to Claude 3.7 Sonnet.
- Trae – A completely free AI-powered code editor with unlimited access.
If you were using Claude 3.7 Sonnet for free and suddenly lost access, these alternatives ensure you can still benefit from the model without paying for the Pro plan. Evaluate your needs and choose the best option that suits your workflow.
By leveraging these methods, you can continue using Claude 3.7 Sonnet for free and maintain your AI-assisted productivity without disruption.
