Best LLM for coding in 2026: Claude vs GPT vs DeepSeek vs Grok, with prices
There is no single best model for coding. There is a best model for each job and budget: the agent loop that edits your repo, the hard architecture question, the bulk review of a thousand files. This guide matches models to jobs and shows what each costs on apillms today.
Quick picks
| Job | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Agentic coding (Claude Code, Cline) | claude-sonnet-5 | Reliable tool calls, strong on code, cheap cache reads |
| Hard refactors, architecture, tricky bugs | claude-opus-5-5 | Deepest reasoning in the Claude line |
| Codex CLI | gpt-5.5, gpt-6-sol | Codex is built around the GPT Responses API |
| Hardest GPT tasks | gpt-6-astra | Top of the GPT line, priced accordingly |
| Bulk review, test generation, extraction | deepseek-v4-flash | $0.047 per 1M in and out |
| Cheap all-rounder with long context | kimi-k3, grok-4.7 | Low price, fast answers |
Current prices (USD per 1M tokens)
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Cache read / 1M |
|---|---|---|---|
| claude-opus-5-5 | $0.639 | $3.19 | $0.106 |
| claude-sonnet-5 | $0.274 | $1.37 | $0.046 |
| claude-haiku-4-5 | $0.137 | $0.684 | $0.023 |
| gpt-6-astra | $1.06 | $5.32 | $0.061 |
| gpt-5.5 | $0.532 | $3.19 | $0.03 |
| gpt-6-sol | $0.213 | $1.06 | $0.012 |
| grok-4.7 | $0.213 | $0.639 | $0.03 |
| kimi-k3 | $0.133 | $0.133 | $0.076 |
| deepseek-v4-pro | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.046 |
| deepseek-v4-flash | $0.047 | $0.047 | $0.027 |
Prices update live from our API.
Two things stand out. Claude and GPT charge several times more for output than for input, so long generations cost more than long prompts. DeepSeek and Kimi charge the same for both, which makes them good for jobs that write a lot of text.
Claude: Sonnet 5 and Opus 5.5
Claude is the default for coding agents because it follows instructions closely and calls tools reliably over long sessions. Sonnet 5 handles most day-to-day work: reading files, making edits, running tests, fixing what failed. Switch to Opus 5.5 when Sonnet goes in circles, for example on a race condition or a design that touches many modules. Haiku 4.5 is for small background jobs such as titles and summaries.
Claude also benefits most from prompt caching: in an agent loop most of each request is the same as the previous one, and cache reads cost $0.046 per 1M on Sonnet 5.
GPT-6 and GPT-5.5
GPT models are the natural choice in Codex CLI and work well in Cursor. They are strong at producing large, structured outputs such as full files, migrations or JSON. gpt-6-sol is the cheaper everyday option; gpt-5.5 and gpt-6-astra are for harder problems.
DeepSeek V4
DeepSeek is the price/performance pick for batch work where you send many similar requests: code review comments, unit-test drafts, data cleaning, translating docs. Use V4 Pro when quality matters and V4 Flash for volume.
Grok and Kimi
Both are inexpensive and fast with long context windows, useful for research helpers, support bots and reading large logs.
How to choose in practice
- Start the agent on
claude-sonnet-5. - When a task stalls, retry the same task on
claude-opus-5-5instead of adding more instructions. - Move repetitive jobs (reviews, tests, summaries) to
deepseek-v4-flashand compare a sample of answers. - Measure: the dashboard shows tokens and cost per request, so you see which model actually uses your budget.
One key for all of them
Every model sits behind the same key and balance, so routing by task is a change to the model field only. Try them side by side in the playground, or see every price on the comparison page.
Try apillms
One API key for Claude, GPT, Grok, DeepSeek and Kimi. OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible, prompt caching included, pay-as-you-go from $5 with PayPal or card. Credits never expire.
FAQ
Which model is cheapest on apillms?
deepseek-v4-flash; input and output cost the same. The live price is on the models page.
Which model should I use in Claude Code?
claude-sonnet-5 for everyday work and claude-opus-5-5 for hard problems. Claude Code is built for Claude models.
Can I switch models without changing code?
Yes. Change only the model field; key, endpoint and format stay the same.
Does GPT output cost the same as input?
No. On GPT and Claude models output costs several times the input price; see the table above.