Which AI model should I use?
There is no single best AI model — the right pick depends on the job. Right now that means Claude Fable 5 for the hardest reasoning, GPT-5.6 Sol for code, Ling-2.6-flash for budget volume work. Match your need to a row below; every recommendation is the live #1 of a benchmark-backed ranking, not an opinion.
Frequently asked
Which AI model should I use?
Start from your binding constraint. If quality is everything, use the Intelligence Index leader. If it's a coding tool, use the Coding Index leader. If users are waiting on responses, optimize latency; if you're processing millions of tokens, optimize price. The table on this page maps each need to the current winner.
Should I just use the smartest model for everything?
No — frontier models cost 10–100× more per token and respond slower than efficient-tier models. For classification, extraction, chat and other high-volume work, a small model delivers near-identical quality at a fraction of the cost. Reserve the flagship for tasks that actually fail on cheaper models.
How current are these recommendations?
Each recommendation is generated from live rankings — benchmark scores refresh daily and speed/price hourly, so the named models change as soon as the leaderboard does.