GLM 5.2 alternatives

Best GLM 5.2 alternatives

10 models that can stand in for GLM 5.2, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.

z-ai logo

Current Model

GLM 5.2

Input / 1M
$0.06
Output / 1M
$8
Context
1.05M
Intelligence
33.7

Quick picks

The best alternative depends on what you need

Why people switch away from GLM 5.2, and the model that fits each reason best.

Ranked

Top GLM 5.2 alternatives

Each model is scored against GLM 5.2. Green means better, red means worse.

GLM 5.2 as the baseline, then the top alternatives scored against it
Input / 1M$0.06Output / 1M$8Context1.05MIntelligence33.7Reference model
1z-ai logo
Input / 1M$0.04-33%Output / 1M$7-12%Context1.05MIntelligence44.8+33%Compare
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release
Input / 1M$0.30+400%Output / 1M$1.20-85%Context1.05MIntelligence39.5+17%Compare
Why switch:6.7x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts imageNewer release
3anthropic logo
Input / 1M$2+3233%Output / 1M$10+25%Context1M-5%Intelligence38.2+13%Compare
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreAccepts image and fileNewer release
Input / 1M$0.66+1000%Output / 1M$1.98-75%Context1.05MIntelligence36+7%Compare
Why switch:4.0x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release
Input / 1M$0.00-92%Output / 1M$1.28-84%Context1.05MIntelligence34.3+2%Compare
Why switch:6.3x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release
Input / 1M$0.75+1150%Output / 1M$3.75-53%Context1.05MIntelligence34+1%Compare
Why switch:2.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts image and video and file and audioNewer release
Input / 1M$0.43+608%Output / 1M$2.55-68%Context1M-5%Intelligence33.7Compare
Why switch:3.1x cheaper outputAccepts image and videoNewer release
Input / 1M$1.25+1983%Output / 1M$4.25-47%Context1.05MIntelligence33.7Compare
Why switch:1.9x cheaper outputAccepts image and video and fileNewer release
Input / 1M$1.50+2400%Output / 1M$9+13%Context1.05MIntelligence33.60%Compare
Why switch:Accepts image and video and file and audio
Input / 1M$1.75+2817%Output / 1M$14+75%Context400K-62%Intelligence32.5-4%Compare
Why switch:Accepts image and file

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to GLM 5.2?

GLM 5.3 from Z.ai ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $7 per 1M output tokens, compared with $8 for GLM 5.2.

Is there a cheaper alternative to GLM 5.2?

Yes. DeepSeek V4.1 Flash charges $1.20 per 1M output tokens, versus $8 for GLM 5.2.

Can I try GLM 5.2 and its alternatives at the same time?

Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare GLM 5.2 with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.

z-ai logoz-ai logodeepseek logoanthropic logodeepseek logo

Not sure which to pick? Try them all.

Send one prompt to GLM 5.2 and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.