Reasoning Models Comparison - Choose the Right AI for Complex Problems
Reasoning Models Comparison
Magicdoor's reasoning options are not all trying to do the same job. Some are premium all-rounders, some are lower-cost analytical tools, and some are best used only when live web research is necessary.
Current reasoning-oriented lineup
| Model | Price (input / output per 1M tokens) | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Opus 4.6 | $5 / $25 | Highest-end synthesis, difficult reasoning, polished writing |
| Claude Sonnet 4.6 | $3 / $15 | Strong general reasoning and everyday professional work |
| GPT-5.4 | $2.50 / $15 | Coding, structured analysis, all-round flagship work |
| GPT-5.4 Mini | $0.75 / $4.50 | Lower-cost day-to-day reasoning |
| Grok 4 | $3 / $15 | Broad general reasoning with current-events style workflows |
| Qwen 3 Thinking | $0.65 / $3 | Budget reasoning and analytical first passes |
| Perplexity Reasoning | $2 / $8 + request pricing | Web-backed answers with citations |
| Perplexity Deep Research | $3 / $15 + request pricing | Slower, more comprehensive research with sources |
How to choose
Use Claude Opus 4.6 when stakes are high
This is the model to reach for when quality matters more than speed or cost.
Use GPT-5.4 for strong all-round analytical work
If you want one flagship model that handles coding, reasoning, planning, and problem solving well, GPT-5.4 is a practical default.
Use Claude Sonnet 4.6 for everyday professional tasks
It is often the best balance between quality, writing fluency, and cost.
Use GPT-5.4 Mini or Qwen 3 Thinking to keep costs down
These are useful when you need reasoning often but do not want to spend flagship-model rates on every turn.
Use Perplexity models when the answer must be current
If the task depends on up-to-date facts, the Perplexity models are usually the right first step. Then switch to Claude or GPT for synthesis.
Practical decision tree
- Need the strongest answer regardless of cost? Use Claude Opus 4.6.
- Need a flagship generalist? Use GPT-5.4.
- Need strong quality at a more moderate price? Use Claude Sonnet 4.6.
- Need cheap analytical iterations? Use Qwen 3 Thinking or GPT-5.4 Mini.
- Need live web-backed research? Use Perplexity Reasoning or Deep Research.
Good multi-model workflows
Research workflow
- Use Perplexity Reasoning or Deep Research.
- Switch to Claude Sonnet 4.6, Claude Opus 4.6, or GPT-5.4 for synthesis.
Cost-conscious workflow
- Start with Qwen 3 Thinking or GPT-5.4 Mini.
- Escalate only the hard parts to GPT-5.4 or Claude Opus 4.6.
Writing-heavy workflow
- Use Perplexity for current facts if needed.
- Use Claude Sonnet 4.6 or Claude Opus 4.6 for the final draft.
Bottom line
There is no single winner for every reasoning task.
- Claude Opus 4.6 is the premium option.
- GPT-5.4 is the strongest all-round flagship.
- Claude Sonnet 4.6 is a great daily default.
- GPT-5.4 Mini and Qwen 3 Thinking are the budget picks.
- Perplexity handles current-information work.
The best results usually come from combining them rather than treating one model as the answer to everything.
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