ChatGPT
Broad all-purpose workStrongest default if you want one assistant across research, writing, image tools, and agent-style workflows.
Source audit: August 11, 2026
Compare AI Models: Hosted, Open Source, and Open Weight
Compare current hosted and open-model families with official sources, license context, standard API pricing where published, local deployment reality, and workflow guidance. Rankings are editorial judgments, not benchmark claims.
New open-model library
Eleven reviewed open-model families, with the details people actually search for.
Each page separates model access from ownership, open source from open weight, API price from infrastructure cost, and impressive context length from practical deployment. Start with the job you need the model to do, then open the detailed source record.
What is included
11 model pages9 providers covered1M context models explainedPrimary sources only
Provider
Open-weight
Kimi K3
Moonshot AI
Long-horizon coding agents
Kimi K3 License1M tokens
Open-weight
MiniMax M3
MiniMax
Agentic coding
Open-weight release, verify model-card terms1M tokens
Open source
Qwen3.6
Qwen / Alibaba
Local coding assistance
Apache 2.0Model and runtime dependent
Open source
GLM-5.2
Z.ai
Long-horizon coding agents
MIT1M tokens
Hosted API with published model ecosystem
DeepSeek V4
DeepSeek
Cost-sensitive API workflows
Verify current weight terms1M tokens
Open source
Mistral Small 4
Mistral AI
Multimodal document analysis
Apache 2.0256K tokens
Open source
Mistral Large 3
Mistral AI
Enterprise custom models
Apache 2.0Verify selected endpoint or checkpoint
Open model family
Gemma 4
Right-sized open-model experiments
Gemma 4 licenseModel variant dependent
Open-weight
gpt-oss-120b
OpenAI
Private-cloud reasoning services
Apache 2.0128K tokens
Open-weight
gpt-oss-20b
OpenAI
Local text reasoning
Apache 2.0128K tokens
Open-weight
Nemotron 3 Super
NVIDIA
Enterprise agent systems
NVIDIA Open Model LicenseLong-context agentic reasoning
Open model data
Reuse the source-dated comparison
Download the current model, pricing, workflow-fit, and official-source fields. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 with attribution to T-Minus AI.
Best overall default
ChatGPT
Best if you want one assistant that can cover writing, research, image work, and agent-style workflows.
Best for writing
Claude
Best for long-form writing, nuanced tone, and careful document-heavy work.
Best for Google users
Gemini
Best if your work already runs through Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, and the wider Google stack.
Best for live social context
Grok
Best when X-native signals, trending context, and real-time commentary matter.
Best low-cost API option
DeepSeek
Best for teams optimizing hard around cost-per-token and API efficiency.
Best open-weight option
Llama
Best for builders who want self-hosting, open weights, and more infrastructure control.
Fast answer
ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini vs Grok vs DeepSeek vs Llama
If you only want the short version: ChatGPT is the best all-purpose default, Claude is the best writing model, Gemini is the strongest fit for Google-native work, Grok is best for live social context, DeepSeek is one of the best cost-efficient API choices, and Llama is the best-known open-weight family for teams that want more control.
Claude
Writing and document workThe cleaner fit for long-form writing, document analysis, and careful structured output.
Gemini
Google-native workflowsA strong fit if your work happens inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and the Google ecosystem.
Grok
Live social and trend contextMost relevant when real-time X context and social signal tracking are central to the workflow.
DeepSeek
Low-cost API deploymentOne of the most cost-efficient ways to access capable models for coding and budget-sensitive developer workflows.
Llama
Open-weight controlThe best-known open-weight family when you want self-hosting, privacy control, or infrastructure flexibility.
Subscription decisions
When the model question becomes a buying decision
ChatGPT Plus vs Claude Pro
Broad OpenAI workbench vs Claude document depth.
Open decision pageGoogle AI Pro vs ChatGPT Plus
Standalone assistant vs Google-native bundle.
Open decision pageClaude Pro vs Google AI Pro
Writing and analysis vs Google workflow leverage.
Open decision pagePerplexity Pro vs ChatGPT Plus
Research-first subscription vs execution workbench.
Open decision pageSide-by-side specs
Compare AI Models, head-to-head.
| Model | Input /1M | Output /1M | Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-5.6 SolOpenAI | $5 | $30 | ChatGPT Plus | Frontier coding, knowledge work, and agentic tasks |
| GPT-5.6 TerraOpenAI | $2.50 | $15 | ChatGPT Free (limited) | Balanced everyday execution and coding |
| GPT-5.6 LunaOpenAI | $1 | $6 | ChatGPT Plus | Cost-sensitive, high-throughput API work |
| Claude Sonnet 5Anthropic | $2 | $10 | Claude | Balanced coding, agents, and document-heavy work |
| Claude Opus 5Anthropic | $5 | $25 | API and cloud platforms | Premium reasoning and complex tool work |
| Claude Fable 5Anthropic | $10 | $50 | API and cloud platforms | Most demanding reasoning and long-horizon agents |
| Gemini 3.6 FlashGoogle | $1.50 | $7.50 | Gemini | Multimodal and agentic API work |
| Gemini 3.5 Flash-LiteGoogle | $0.30 | $2.50 | Gemini | High-volume, low-cost API tasks |
| Grok 4.5xAI | $2 | $6 | Grok | General work and API experimentation |
| Kimi K3Moonshot AI | ¥20 | ¥100 | Kimi API and certified inference partners | Long-horizon coding agents |
| MiniMax M3MiniMax | $0.30 | $1.20 | MiniMax API and Token Plan | Agentic coding |
| Qwen3.6Qwen / Alibaba | Check provider | Check provider | Qwen Studio and Alibaba Cloud Model Studio | Local coding assistance |
| GLM-5.2Z.ai | Model-specific price not listed | Model-specific price not listed | Z.ai general API and GLM Coding Plan | Long-horizon coding agents |
| DeepSeek V4DeepSeek | $0.14 | $0.28 | DeepSeek API | Cost-sensitive API workflows |
| Mistral Small 4Mistral AI | $0.15 | $0.60 | Mistral API and Mistral AI Studio | Multimodal document analysis |
| Mistral Large 3Mistral AI | Check provider | Check provider | Mistral AI Studio and selected cloud providers | Enterprise custom models |
| Gemma 4Google | No universal Gemma API rate | No universal Gemma API rate | Downloadable model family and Google AI ecosystem | Right-sized open-model experiments |
| gpt-oss-120bOpenAI | No OpenAI API price | No OpenAI API price | Self-hosted or third-party hosting providers | Private-cloud reasoning services |
| gpt-oss-20bOpenAI | No OpenAI API price | No OpenAI API price | Self-hosted or third-party hosting providers | Local text reasoning |
| Nemotron 3 SuperNVIDIA | Check provider | Check provider | Downloadable weights, NVIDIA services, and selected hosting providers | Enterprise agent systems |
Standard API costs per 1M tokens where the provider publishes a comparable USD rate. Open-model rows link to detail pages that separate API pricing from local operating cost. Last verified August 11, 2026.
Claude Sonnet 5 introductory API pricing is $2 input and $10 output per million tokens through August 31, 2026. Standard $3/$15 pricing begins September 1, 2026.
Model access in consumer chat plans varies by provider, region, and plan. Check the linked provider page before purchasing.
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Quick Reference Guide
Which AI for Which Task?
Not sure which model to use? This matrix maps common use cases to the best AI models with clear reasoning.
| Use Case | Best Model | Why? | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing long-form content | Claude Sonnet 5 | A practical current Claude option for document-heavy drafting and revision workflows. | GPT-5.6 Terra |
| Quick research with sources | Perplexity Pro | Fast web discovery with citations and strong source traceability. | Gemini 3.6 Flash |
| Advanced reasoning & math | GPT-5.6 Sol | OpenAI positions its flagship current model for difficult knowledge work and agentic tasks. | Claude Opus 5 |
| Code generation & debugging | Claude Sonnet 5 | A current Claude option for coding and agent workflows. | GPT-5.6 Sol |
| Excel/Word automation | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Native integration in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams workflows. | ChatGPT (GPT-5.6) |
| Real-time social signals | Grok 4.5 | Strong fit when live X context is central to the workflow. | Perplexity Pro |
| Cost-effective API usage | DeepSeek V3.2 Reasoner | Low-cost API with separate reasoning mode for budget-sensitive deployments. | Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite |
| Privacy-focused browsing | Brave Leo | Browser-native assistant with privacy-first defaults and BYOM flexibility. | Local LLMs |
| Multi-language translation | Gemini 3.6 Flash | Strong multilingual handling with multimodal capabilities. | GPT-5.6 Terra |
| Technical documentation | Claude Sonnet 5 | A current Claude option for structured technical documentation workflows. | GPT-5.6 Sol |
| Brainstorming sessions | GPT-5.6 Terra | A balanced current OpenAI option for quick iteration and idea generation. | Gemini 3.6 Flash |
| Image-generation briefs | ChatGPT (GPT-5.6 + image tools) | Strong prompt iteration and multimodal planning for visual direction. | Gemini 3.6 Flash |
Writing long-form content
CreatorsBest:Claude Sonnet 5
A practical current Claude option for document-heavy drafting and revision workflows.
Alt:GPT-5.6 Terra
Quick research with sources
ResearchBest:Perplexity Pro
Fast web discovery with citations and strong source traceability.
Alt:Gemini 3.6 Flash
Advanced reasoning & math
DevelopersBest:GPT-5.6 Sol
OpenAI positions its flagship current model for difficult knowledge work and agentic tasks.
Alt:Claude Opus 5
Code generation & debugging
DevelopersBest:Claude Sonnet 5
A current Claude option for coding and agent workflows.
Alt:GPT-5.6 Sol
Excel/Word automation
CorporateBest:Microsoft 365 Copilot
Native integration in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams workflows.
Alt:ChatGPT (GPT-5.6)
Real-time social signals
ResearchBest:Grok 4.5
Strong fit when live X context is central to the workflow.
Alt:Perplexity Pro
Cost-effective API usage
DevelopersBest:DeepSeek V3.2 Reasoner
Low-cost API with separate reasoning mode for budget-sensitive deployments.
Alt:Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
Privacy-focused browsing
CorporateBest:Brave Leo
Browser-native assistant with privacy-first defaults and BYOM flexibility.
Alt:Local LLMs
Multi-language translation
CorporateBest:Gemini 3.6 Flash
Strong multilingual handling with multimodal capabilities.
Alt:GPT-5.6 Terra
Technical documentation
DevelopersBest:Claude Sonnet 5
A current Claude option for structured technical documentation workflows.
Alt:GPT-5.6 Sol
Brainstorming sessions
CreatorsBest:GPT-5.6 Terra
A balanced current OpenAI option for quick iteration and idea generation.
Alt:Gemini 3.6 Flash
Image-generation briefs
CreatorsBest:ChatGPT (GPT-5.6 + image tools)
Strong prompt iteration and multimodal planning for visual direction.
Alt:Gemini 3.6 Flash
This matrix is reviewed monthly. Last verified on August 11, 2026 using official provider documentation.
1
ChatGPT
OpenAI
Position Most adopted all-purpose assistant
Models GPT-5.6 Sol · GPT-5.6 Terra · GPT-5.6 Luna
"OpenAI positions the GPT-5.6 family across flagship, balanced, and cost-efficient tiers for coding, knowledge work, and agentic tasks."
Official source 2
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft
Position Best native fit for Microsoft 365 workflows
Models Workspace-centric Copilot experiences across Microsoft 365
"Deep integration with Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and enterprise controls. Best fit when your AI layer must sit inside existing Microsoft workflows."
Official source 3
Google Gemini
Google
Position Best multimodal coverage + price-performance range
Models Gemini 3.6 Flash · Gemini 3.5 Flash · Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
"Google lists Gemini 3.6 Flash as its most balanced model for speed and intelligence, with 3.5 Flash and Flash-Lite covering sustained agentic and lower-cost workloads."
Official source 4
Perplexity
Perplexity
Position Fastest research-first assistant for source-backed discovery
Models Standard · Pro · Max · Enterprise Pro
"Perplexity's official plan guide makes the product easier to slot into a stack: free discovery at Standard, deeper research and advanced model access on Pro, and higher-end throughput on Max and Enterprise tiers."
Official source 5
Claude
Anthropic
Position High-trust long-context and agent workflows
Models Claude Fable 5 · Claude Opus 5 · Claude Sonnet 5 · Claude Haiku 4.5
"Claude Fable 5 is Anthropic's highest-capability generally available model for demanding reasoning and long-horizon agents. Opus 5 is the current premium Opus model, Sonnet 5 is the balanced coding and agent option, and Haiku 4.5 is the lower-cost tier."
Official source 6
Grok
xAI
Position Current xAI model and API offering
Models Grok 4.5
"xAI lists Grok 4.5 at $2 per million input tokens and $6 per million output tokens in its official release update."
Official source 7
DeepSeek
DeepSeek
Position Most cost-efficient API for coding and reasoning
Models DeepSeek V4 · DeepSeek V3 · DeepSeek R1
"DeepSeek's transparency center now lists V4 with an April 24, 2026 release date. The main draw remains cost pressure for API-heavy coding, reasoning, and builder workflows."
Official source 8
Brave Leo
Brave
Position Browser-native assistant with privacy focus
Models Model menu varies by free, premium, and BYOM options
"Built into Brave with privacy-centric defaults and model flexibility."
Official source 9
Meta Llama
Meta
Position Best open-source multimodal AI — free to self-host
Models Llama 4 Scout (17B) · Llama 4 Maverick (17B MoE) · Behemoth (training)
"Llama 4 Maverick beats GPT-4o and Gemini 2.0 Flash on major benchmarks while being fully open-weight. Multimodal (text + image), multilingual (12 languages), runs on a single H100."
Official source 10
Mistral AI
Mistral
Position European open-weight frontier AI with enterprise focus
Models Mistral 3 · Mistral Large 3 · Devstral 2
"Mistral 3 gives builders another serious open multimodal and multilingual model family, especially useful for privacy, EU data-residency, and on-premise deployment decisions."
Official source Pricing Guide
AI Model Pricing Comparison
Compare pricing across major AI models. Most offer free tiers with paid upgrades for power users.
| Model | Free Tier | Paid Tier | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | ✓ Free tier GPT-5.6 Luna text chat plus limited uploads, image creation, deep research, memory, context, Codex, and Work features. | Plus GPT-5.6 advanced reasoning, plus projects, tasks, custom GPTs, and higher limits across product features. Pro: $200/mo GPT-5.6 Sol Pro and the highest listed limits for supported ChatGPT capabilities. | $20/mo | General execution and teams that want the broadest ChatGPT product surface |
| Claude | ✓ Free tier Core Claude access with memory across conversations, web search, and limited advanced features | Pro Higher limits with stronger access to research, code execution, projects, and Claude's premium feature surface Max 5×: $100/mo · Max 20×: $200/mo Heavy-usage access for professionals who hit Pro limits regularly | $20/mo | Long-form writing, technical docs, coding, and agent workflows |
| Google Gemini | ✓ Free tier Gemini app free tier with standard model access | Google AI Plus / Pro / Ultra More Gemini access and plan benefits vary by country and plan. Check the official plan page before buying. Google AI Ultra: region-dependent Highest limits and early access to advanced Gemini capabilities | Region-dependent | Google ecosystem power users, high-volume API workloads, multimodal tasks |
| Perplexity | ✓ Free tier Practically unlimited basic searches with very limited Pro searches and basic file uploads | Pro Extended Pro Search, advanced model access, image and video generation, and higher upload limits Max: $200/mo Highest individual tier for users who need more throughput than Pro | $20/mo | Source-backed research, market scanning, and multi-step agentic work |
| Microsoft Copilot | ✓ Free tier Basic Copilot chat and web-grounded responses | Copilot plans Microsoft 365 app integration and work-grounded productivity features Enterprise and agent add-ons available Advanced controls, governance, and agent capabilities | From $20/mo consumer; business plans vary | Office-heavy organizations and enterprise rollout on Microsoft stack |
ChatGPT
$20/mo✓ Free tier available
GPT-5.6 Luna text chat plus limited uploads, image creation, deep research, memory, context, Codex, and Work features.
Paid Tier: Plus
GPT-5.6 advanced reasoning, plus projects, tasks, custom GPTs, and higher limits across product features.
Pro: $200/mo
GPT-5.6 Sol Pro and the highest listed limits for supported ChatGPT capabilities.
Best for:
General execution and teams that want the broadest ChatGPT product surface
Claude
$20/mo✓ Free tier available
Core Claude access with memory across conversations, web search, and limited advanced features
Paid Tier: Pro
Higher limits with stronger access to research, code execution, projects, and Claude's premium feature surface
Max 5×: $100/mo · Max 20×: $200/mo
Heavy-usage access for professionals who hit Pro limits regularly
Best for:
Long-form writing, technical docs, coding, and agent workflows
Google Gemini
Region-dependent✓ Free tier available
Gemini app free tier with standard model access
Paid Tier: Google AI Plus / Pro / Ultra
More Gemini access and plan benefits vary by country and plan. Check the official plan page before buying.
Google AI Ultra: region-dependent
Highest limits and early access to advanced Gemini capabilities
Best for:
Google ecosystem power users, high-volume API workloads, multimodal tasks
Perplexity
$20/mo✓ Free tier available
Practically unlimited basic searches with very limited Pro searches and basic file uploads
Paid Tier: Pro
Extended Pro Search, advanced model access, image and video generation, and higher upload limits
Max: $200/mo
Highest individual tier for users who need more throughput than Pro
Best for:
Source-backed research, market scanning, and multi-step agentic work
Microsoft Copilot
From $20/mo consumer; business plans vary✓ Free tier available
Basic Copilot chat and web-grounded responses
Paid Tier: Copilot plans
Microsoft 365 app integration and work-grounded productivity features
Enterprise and agent add-ons available
Advanced controls, governance, and agent capabilities
Best for:
Office-heavy organizations and enterprise rollout on Microsoft stack
Pricing snapshot last verified on August 11, 2026. Plan names, limits, and regional prices can change quickly.
Live references
Check benchmark dashboards and official provider updates
Artificial AnalysisLMArenaOpen LLM Leaderboard (Hugging Face)OpenAI ModelsAnthropic API Release NotesGoogle AI PlansxAI Models & PricingDeepSeek Docs
Links open in a new tab. Snapshot last verified on August 11, 2026.
Blog Post
March 2026 model snapshot
Historical context. Check this page for the current source audit.
Free Tool
AI Plan Comparator — All Tiers, All Providers
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini & Perplexity pricing compared
Frequently Asked Questions
AI Models — Common Questions
What is the best AI model in 2026?
There is no single best model for every workflow. This page was source-audited on August 11, 2026. ChatGPT is a broad all-purpose choice, Claude suits document-heavy work, Gemini fits Google-centric workflows, and each provider has different plan limits and API pricing.
What is the difference between ChatGPT and Claude in 2026?
ChatGPT is the broader product surface: more plan tiers, more built-in tools, deeper research and agent features, and stronger general-purpose coverage. Claude is the steadier choice for long documents, nuanced writing, Projects, Research, and focused document-heavy workflows.
How do Grok, DeepSeek, and Llama compare with ChatGPT and Claude?
Grok matters most when live X context is central to the workflow, DeepSeek is attractive when low API cost is the deciding factor, and Llama is the clearest open-weight option for teams that want self-hosting and infrastructure control. ChatGPT and Claude remain the strongest defaults for most general-purpose business and writing workflows.
Which AI model is best for coding in 2026?
For coding, the safest recommendation is to separate chat models from coding products. Claude remains a strong coding assistant, ChatGPT is useful for broad debugging and tool-heavy workflows, and GitHub Copilot is the best fit if you want coding help directly inside your IDE with team controls.
What is the best free AI model in 2026?
The best free AI model depends on the job. ChatGPT Free is the broadest starting point, Claude Free is strong for writing and documents, Gemini Free works well for Google-native workflows, and Llama or DeepSeek can be better if you care more about open weights or low-cost experimentation than polished consumer apps.
Should I pay for ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI, or Perplexity first?
Most people should pay for ChatGPT first if they want one broad default assistant. Choose Claude first if long-form writing, analysis, and document-heavy work matter more. Choose Google AI first if your workflow already lives inside Google. Choose Perplexity first if research with citations is the real bottleneck.