cline/docs/model-config/model-comparison.mdx

---
title: "Model Comparison & Pricing"
description: "Compare AI models by performance, features, and pricing"
---

## Model Comparison Table

### Premium Models

| Model | Provider | Context Window | Input Price* | Output Price* | Best For |
|-------|----------|---------------|--------------|---------------|----------|
| **Claude Sonnet 4.5** | Anthropic | 1M tokens | $3-6 | $15-22.50 | Reliable tool usage, complex codebases |
| **GPT-5** | OpenAI | 400K tokens | $1.25 | $10 | Latest OpenAI tech, three modes |
| **Gemini 2.5 Pro** | Google | 1M+ tokens | TBD | TBD | Large codebases, document analysis |
| **Qwen3 Coder** | Multiple | 256K tokens | $0.20 | $0.80 | Coding tasks, open source flexibility |

*Per million tokens

### Budget Models

| Model | Provider | Context Window | Input Price* | Output Price* | Notes |
|-------|----------|---------------|--------------|---------------|-------|
| **DeepSeek V3** | DeepSeek | 128K tokens | $0.14 | $0.28 | Great value for daily coding |
| **DeepSeek R1** | DeepSeek | 128K tokens | $0.55 | $2.19 | Budget reasoning champion |
| **Qwen3 32B** | Multiple | 128K tokens | Varies | Varies | Open source, multiple providers |
| **Z AI GLM 4.5** | Z AI | 128K tokens | TBD | TBD | MIT licensed, hybrid reasoning |

*Per million tokens

## Performance Comparison

### Speed vs Quality Trade-offs

| Priority | Recommended Model | Why |
|----------|------------------|-----|
| **Speed** | Qwen3 Coder on Cerebras | Fastest inference available |
| **Quality** | Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Most reliable for complex tasks |
| **Balance** | DeepSeek V3 | Good quality at low cost |

### Tool Reliability

Models ranked by tool usage reliability:
1. **Claude Sonnet 4.5** - Most reliable tool execution
2. **GPT-5** - Excellent but occasional formatting issues
3. **Gemini 2.5 Pro** - Good for standard tools
4. **DeepSeek V3** - Reliable for basic tools
5. **Qwen3 variants** - May need retry for complex tools

## Cost Calculator

### Typical Task Costs

| Task Type | Token Usage (avg) | Claude Sonnet | DeepSeek V3 | Difference |
|-----------|------------------|---------------|-------------|------------|
| **Simple Bug Fix** | 5K tokens | $0.05 | $0.001 | 50x cheaper |
| **Feature Implementation** | 50K tokens | $0.50 | $0.01 | 50x cheaper |
| **Large Refactoring** | 200K tokens | $2.00 | $0.04 | 50x cheaper |

### Monthly Budget Estimates

| Budget | Claude Usage | DeepSeek Usage | Mixed Strategy |
|--------|-------------|----------------|----------------|
| **$10/month** | ~20 features | ~1000 features | Plan: DeepSeek, Act: Claude |
| **$50/month** | ~100 features | ~5000 features | Critical: Claude, Rest: DeepSeek |
| **$100/month** | ~200 features | ~10000 features | Complex: Claude, Simple: DeepSeek |

## Provider Comparison

### Provider Features

| Provider | Models Available | Billing | API Stability | Support |
|----------|-----------------|---------|---------------|---------|
| **Cline** | Multiple | Credit-based | High | In-app |
| **Anthropic** | Claude only | Usage-based | High | Email |
| **OpenRouter** | 100+ models | Usage-based | High | Discord |
| **OpenAI** | GPT only | Usage-based | High | Forum |
| **Local (Ollama)** | Open source | Free | N/A | Community |

### Provider Selection Guide

Choose your provider based on:
- **Simplicity**: Cline (no API key management)
- **Variety**: OpenRouter (access to all models)
- **Direct Access**: Individual providers (Anthropic, OpenAI)
- **Privacy**: Ollama or LM Studio (local models)

## Community Usage Stats

Real-time usage data from the Cline community:
- View current trends at [OpenRouter's Cline stats](https://openrouter.ai/apps?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcline.bot%2F)
- Most popular: Claude Sonnet 4.5 (40%)
- Rising star: DeepSeek V3 (25%)
- Budget favorite: Qwen3 variants (20%)