Best models · Updated 2026
Best AI Models for Reasoning & Research
Comparing 13 models for reasoning & research — from GPT-5.4 at $2.50/1M. Here's how they compare on real pricing, context, and capability.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GPT-5.4 OpenAI | $2.50 | $15.00 | 1.05M | View → |
GPT-5.5 OpenAI | $5.00 | $30.00 | 1.05M | View → |
o1-preview OpenAI | — | — | — | View → |
o1-mini OpenAI | — | — | — | View → |
PaLM 2 Google | — | — | — | View → |
| — | — | — | View → | |
YiLarge other | — | — | — | View → |
Mixtral Mistral AI | — | — | — | View → |
WizardLM 2 Microsoft AI | — | — | — | View → |
Mistral Large Mistral AI | — | — | — | View → |
Llama 3.1 Meta | — | — | — | View → |
Gemini Pro Google | — | — | — | View → |
GPT-4 OpenAI | — | — | — | View → |
Rankings reflect published pricing and capability mapped to reasoning & research needs — not paid placement. Prices per 1M tokens, updated 2026.
FAQ
Questions about AI models for reasoning & research
Which AI model is best for reasoning & research?+
It depends on your budget and quality bar. GPT-5.4, GPT-5.5, o1-preview are the leading options — compare them on pricing and context above.
What is the cheapest AI model for reasoning & research?+
GPT-5.4, at $2.50 per million input tokens and $15.00 output.
Not sure which model fits your reasoning & research workflow?
We'll match a model to your volume, quality bar, and budget — with a real cost estimate. One free call.
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