Kimi K2 Thinking alternatives
Best Kimi K2 Thinking alternatives
10 models that can stand in for Kimi K2 Thinking, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.
Current Model
Kimi K2 Thinking
- Input / 1M
- $0.60
- Output / 1M
- $2.50
- Context
- 262K
- Intelligence
- 22
Quick picks
The best alternative depends on what you need
Why people switch away from Kimi K2 Thinking, and the model that fits each reason best.
Ranked
Top Kimi K2 Thinking alternatives
Each model is scored against Kimi K2 Thinking. Green means better, red means worse.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | Intelligence | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kimi K2 Thinking Moonshot AI | Input / 1M$0.60 | Output / 1M$2.50 | Context262K | Intelligence22 | Reference model |
| Input / 1M$0.43-28% | Output / 1M$2.45-2% | Context262K | Intelligence27+23% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.0x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts imageNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.67+12% | Output / 1M$3.35+34% | Context262K | Intelligence25.8+17% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreAccepts imageNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.01-98% | Output / 1M$1.28-49% | Context1.05M+300% | Intelligence24.4+11% | Compare | |
Why switch:2.0x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.45-25% | Output / 1M$2.25-10% | Context262K | Intelligence23.5+7% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts imageNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.50-17% | Output / 1M$2.20-12% | Context262K | Intelligence22.9+4% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.26-57% | Output / 1M$2.60+4% | Context262K | Intelligence22.9+4% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreAccepts image and videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.30-50% | Output / 1M$2.50 | Context1.05M+300% | Intelligence22.2+1% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreLarger 1.05M contextAccepts image and video and file and audioNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.60 | Output / 1M$2.20-12% | Context205K-22% | Intelligence22.2+1% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.1x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.55-8% | Output / 1M$3.50+40% | Context262K | Intelligence21.4-3% | Compare | |
Why switch:Accepts image and videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.25-58% | Output / 1M$2-20% | Context400K+53% | Intelligence20.6-6% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.3x cheaper outputLarger 400K contextAccepts image and file | |||||
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Kimi K2 Thinking?
Kimi K2.6 from Moonshot AI ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $2.45 per 1M output tokens, compared with $2.50 for Kimi K2 Thinking.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Kimi K2 Thinking?
Yes. DeepSeek V4 Flash 0423 charges $1.28 per 1M output tokens, versus $2.50 for Kimi K2 Thinking.
Can I try Kimi K2 Thinking and its alternatives at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare Kimi K2 Thinking with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.
Not sure which to pick? Try them all.
Send one prompt to Kimi K2 Thinking and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.