Claude Sonnet 4.6 alternatives
Best Claude Sonnet 4.6 alternatives
10 models that can stand in for Claude Sonnet 4.6, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.
Current Model
Claude Sonnet 4.6
- Input / 1M
- $3
- Output / 1M
- $15
- Context
- 1M
- Intelligence
- 30.1
Quick picks
The best alternative depends on what you need
Why people switch away from Claude Sonnet 4.6, and the model that fits each reason best.
Ranked
Top Claude Sonnet 4.6 alternatives
Each model is scored against Claude Sonnet 4.6. Green means better, red means worse.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | Intelligence | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Claude Sonnet 4.6 Anthropic | Input / 1M$3 | Output / 1M$15 | Context1M | Intelligence30.1 | Reference model |
| Input / 1M$2-33% | Output / 1M$10-33% | Context1M | Intelligence38.2+27% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.5x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.06-98% | Output / 1M$8-47% | Context1.05M+5% | Intelligence33.7+12% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.9x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$1.50-50% | Output / 1M$9-40% | Context1.05M+5% | Intelligence33.6+12% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.7x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextAccepts video and audioNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$1.75-42% | Output / 1M$14-7% | Context400K-60% | Intelligence32.5+8% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$5+67% | Output / 1M$25+67% | Context1M | Intelligence31.9+6% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence score | |||||
| Input / 1M$1.75-42% | Output / 1M$14-7% | Context400K-60% | Intelligence30.4+1% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence score | |||||
| Input / 1M$2-33% | Output / 1M$12-20% | Context1.05M+5% | Intelligence29.7-1% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.3x cheaper outputLarger 1.05M contextAccepts audio and videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$5+67% | Output / 1M$25+67% | Context200K-80% | Intelligence29.1-3% | Compare | |
| Input / 1M$1.75-42% | Output / 1M$14-7% | Context400K-60% | Intelligence28.5-5% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper output | |||||
| Input / 1M$3 | Output / 1M$15 | Context1M | Intelligence20.7-31% | Compare | |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Claude Sonnet 4.6?
Claude Sonnet 5 from Anthropic ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $10 per 1M output tokens, compared with $15 for Claude Sonnet 4.6.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Claude Sonnet 4.6?
Yes. GLM 5.2 charges $8 per 1M output tokens, versus $15 for Claude Sonnet 4.6.
Can I try Claude Sonnet 4.6 and its alternatives at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare Claude Sonnet 4.6 with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.
Not sure which to pick? Try them all.
Send one prompt to Claude Sonnet 4.6 and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.