AI model selection cockpit

Compare model cost, capability, and deployment fit before you commit.

A practical model explorer for teams choosing between hosted APIs, private deployments, and hybrid AI agent stacks. Sort the table, filter for fit, export a CSV, then bring the shortlist into a real architecture conversation.

Open explorer Get help choosing

12models compared

6decision factors

API + privatedeployment paths

CSVexport included

LLM pricing, benchmarks, and specifications

Use this as a first-pass comparison. Pricing and model cards change, so confirm vendor details before purchasing infrastructure or committing production budget.

Name	Company	Deployment	Input / 1M	Output / 1M	Context	Reasoning	Agent Fit	Best Use	Risk Note

What the table is really for

Model choice is rarely just about one benchmark. The right answer depends on latency, data sensitivity, tool reliability, prompt complexity, expected volume, and how painful migration would be later.

$Cost exposureCompare token economics before a prototype quietly becomes a production invoice.

RReliability fitReasoning models are powerful, but not always the cheapest or fastest choice for routine workflow automation.

PPrivacy pathSelf-hostable and hybrid options matter when documents, customer data, or regulated workflows are involved.

Fast shortlist

Use these lanes when you need a plain-English starting point.

Best first agent stackStart with a strong hosted model, then optimize only the expensive paths.

Best private workflowFavor Llama, Qwen, or Mistral families where control and hosting flexibility matter.

Best cost projectSeparate simple classification, retrieval, and summarization from heavy reasoning tasks.

Want a model decision you can defend?

Herb can review your workload, data sensitivity, latency needs, and budget, then recommend a model path that fits the actual system you are building.

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