R1 alternatives
Best R1 alternatives
10 models that can stand in for R1, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.
Current Model
R1
- Input / 1M
- $0.70
- Output / 1M
- $2.50
- Context
- 64K
- Intelligence
- 11.4
Quick picks
The best alternative depends on what you need
Why people switch away from R1, and the model that fits each reason best.
Ranked
Top R1 alternatives
Each model is scored against R1. Green means better, red means worse.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | Intelligence | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R1 DeepSeek | Input / 1M$0.70 | Output / 1M$2.50 | Context64K | Intelligence11.4 | Reference model |
| Input / 1M$0.30-57% | Output / 1M$2.50 | Context1.05M+1538% | Intelligence15.5+36% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextAccepts file and image and audio and videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.25-64% | Output / 1M$0.95-62% | Context164K+156% | Intelligence13.7+20% | Compare | |
Why switch:2.6x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 164K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.30-57% | Output / 1M$2.50 | Context1M+1463% | Intelligence13.4+18% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 1M contextAccepts image and video and fileNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.50-29% | Output / 1M$2.15-14% | Context164K+156% | Intelligence13.1+15% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.2x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 164K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.60-14% | Output / 1M$2.20-12% | Context131K+105% | Intelligence12.8+12% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 131K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.57-19% | Output / 1M$2.30-8% | Context131K+105% | Intelligence12.7+11% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 131K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.55-21% | Output / 1M$2.20-12% | Context1M+1463% | Intelligence11.7+3% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 1M contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.40-43% | Output / 1M$1.60-36% | Context1.05M+1537% | Intelligence10.2-11% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.6x cheaper outputLarger 1.05M contextAccepts image and fileNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.21-70% | Output / 1M$1.90-24% | Context262K+310% | Intelligence9.9-13% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.3x cheaper outputLarger 262K contextAccepts imageNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.29-59% | Output / 1M$1.14-54% | Context164K+156% | Intelligence9.7-15% | Compare | |
Why switch:2.2x cheaper outputLarger 164K contextNewer release | |||||
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to R1?
Gemini 2.5 Flash from Google ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $2.50 per 1M output tokens, compared with $2.50 for R1.
Is there a cheaper alternative to R1?
Yes. DeepSeek V3.1 charges $0.95 per 1M output tokens, versus $2.50 for R1.
Can I try R1 and its alternatives at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare R1 with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.
Not sure which to pick? Try them all.
Send one prompt to R1 and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.