Gemma 3 12B alternatives
Best Gemma 3 12B alternatives
10 models that can stand in for Gemma 3 12B, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.
Current Model
Gemma 3 12B
- Input / 1M
- $0.05
- Output / 1M
- $0.15
- Context
- 131K
- Intelligence
- 3.8
Quick picks
The best alternative depends on what you need
Why people switch away from Gemma 3 12B, and the model that fits each reason best.
Ranked
Top Gemma 3 12B alternatives
Each model is scored against Gemma 3 12B. Green means better, red means worse.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | Intelligence | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gemma 3 12B | Input / 1M$0.05 | Output / 1M$0.15 | Context131K | Intelligence3.8 | Reference model |
| Input / 1M$0.10+100% | Output / 1M$0.40+167% | Context1.05M+700% | Intelligence10.4+174% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextAccepts file and audio and videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.20+300% | Output / 1M$0.20+33% | Context262K+100% | Intelligence6+58% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 262K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.07+40% | Output / 1M$0.14-7% | Context16K-87% | Intelligence5.9+55% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence score | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.04-30% | Output / 1M$0.14-7% | Context128K-2% | Intelligence5.9+55% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence score | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.15+200% | Output / 1M$0.15 | Context262K+100% | Intelligence5.5+45% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 262K contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.02-66% | Output / 1M$0.11-25% | Context131K0% | Intelligence5.1+34% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.3x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.08+60% | Output / 1M$0.45+200% | Context131K | Intelligence4.9+29% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence score | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.10+100% | Output / 1M$0.10-33% | Context131K | Intelligence4.8+26% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.5x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.05 | Output / 1M$0.10-33% | Context131K | Intelligence4.8+26% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.5x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.03-46% | Output / 1M$0.20+34% | Context60K-54% | Intelligence4.8+26% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence score | |||||
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Gemma 3 12B?
Gemini 2.5 Flash Lite from Google ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $0.40 per 1M output tokens, compared with $0.15 for Gemma 3 12B.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Gemma 3 12B?
Yes. Ministral 3 3B 2512 charges $0.10 per 1M output tokens, versus $0.15 for Gemma 3 12B.
Can I try Gemma 3 12B and its alternatives at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare Gemma 3 12B with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.
Not sure which to pick? Try them all.
Send one prompt to Gemma 3 12B and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.