At a glance
| Spec | Claude Opus 4.6 | GPT-5.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Anthropic | OpenAI |
| Input / 1M | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| Output / 1M | $15.00 | $6.00 |
| Context | 200K | 128K |
| Extended thinking | Yes | No |
The verdict
For most teams, GPT-5.5 is the better default if cost matters, while Claude Opus 4.6 earns its premium on the hardest tasks. Pick based on whether a wrong answer is expensive enough to justify the higher price.
Claude Opus 4.6: where it wins
Claude Opus 4.6 is Anthropic's most capable model, built for hard problems: complex refactors, multi-step agents, deep analysis, and research-grade reasoning. When output quality matters more than cost, this is the model you reach for.
Best for: hard code refactors and architecture work, long-horizon autonomous agents.
GPT-5.5: where it wins
GPT-5.5 steps up reasoning and reliability over the base GPT-5 line, aimed at harder tasks that still want OpenAI's tool-use ergonomics. A good middle ground when GPT-5 isn't quite enough but you want to stay in the OpenAI ecosystem.
Best for: harder reasoning within the openai ecosystem, complex tool-use workflows.
Cost in practice
On a typical request with 2,000 input and 800 output tokens, Claude Opus 4.6 costs about $0.01800 and GPT-5.5 about $0.00780. Plug in your own numbers with the cost calculator.
Run both behind one API
Switch between Claude Opus 4.6 and GPT-5.5 by changing one line. $1 free to start.
Start FreeFAQ
Is Claude Opus 4.6 or GPT-5.5 cheaper?
GPT-5.5 is cheaper on input tokens ($1.50 vs $3.00 per 1M). Output pricing follows the same order.
Which is better for coding, Claude Opus 4.6 or GPT-5.5?
For most teams, GPT-5.5 is the better default if cost matters, while Claude Opus 4.6 earns its premium on the hardest tasks. Pick based on whether a wrong answer is expensive enough to justify the higher price.
Can I use both Claude Opus 4.6 and GPT-5.5 with one API?
Yes. Through KissAPI both run behind one OpenAI-compatible endpoint, so you can route between Claude Opus 4.6 and GPT-5.5 by changing only the model id.