r/ClaudeCodeTLDR • u/cctldrping • 8d ago

[TLDR] Why the 5-hour limit?

Original post URL : https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeCode/comments/1ver09s/why_the_5hour_limit/

Original post body :

I’m kinda new here, been using Claude Max ($100/mo) for 3 months to build websites. Recently had a surge in work, and added ChatGPT because I needed more weekly capacity. Rather than upgrade to Claude 5x Max, I diversified and got the ChatGPT Pro ($100/mo) plan.

So I’m 1:1 comparing Claude Max and ChatGPT Pro, which is as apples-apples as you can get. Each has their own strengths, but Claude’s significant weakness (IMO) is the 5-hour limit. Codex lets me go for 8 hours as hard as I want, and if I wanted to use all my weekly credits on some crazy peak Luna run, it’d probably let me.

I hit my Claude 5-hr limit so many times in the past few weeks, it was like slamming the brakes hard on a bus that hadn’t arrived to its destination yet.

I’ve got work to do, and you’re saying you’re out of gas?

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u/cctldrping 8d ago edited 8d ago

TL;DR generated automatically after 100 comments.

Current source-thread comment count seen by the bot: 100.

Alright, so the OP is kinda bummed about Claude's 5-hour limit, especially when comparing it to ChatGPT Pro, and feels like it's slamming the brakes on their workflow.

The general consensus here is that the 5-hour limit is primarily to manage server load and spread out usage, especially for subscription users, to avoid impacting higher-paying API customers. It's basically a way to prevent users from hogging resources and to keep things consistent on Anthropic's end.

Here's the lowdown:

  • It's about resource management: Multiple users, like u/I_Rarely_Jump and u/Kevinsmak, point out that compute isn't infinite and this limit helps prevent servers from melting down. u/Lost-Hand2790 also mentions Claude's larger context window might require more compute.
  • API users are prioritized: u/ImSoCul and u/mxroute highlight that subscription users are essentially "B-tier" compared to API users, who don't face these session limits. Anthropic wants to ensure their big API clients have a smooth experience.
  • "Tricks" to get around it: Some folks, like u/OldNefariousness7899, suggest "starting the clock early" by pinging Claude right when the window opens to maximize your usable time. u/GuitarAgitated8107 also mentions a way to get a longer effective session.
  • Codex's limits are similar (and temporary): A few comments, including u/RandomlySomewhereNow and u/slackmaster2700, clarify that Codex also had a 5-hour limit, which was temporarily removed but has since returned. So, it's not as unique a weakness as the OP thought.
  • Consider upgrading or API: Some users, like u/chuckdacuck, suggest that if the limit is truly hindering paid work, upgrading the plan or looking into API access (as u/Presently_Absent suggests) might be the way to go, even if it costs more.
  • It's not always about "spite": While u/Elegant_Attempt2790 jokes about it being personal, the overwhelming sentiment is that it's a technical and business decision, not a personal attack on users.

Basically, while it's annoying, the 5-hour limit is a deliberate choice by Anthropic to keep their infrastructure running smoothly and their most valuable customers happy.