Best OpenAI model for research
For research with OpenAI, use GPT-6 Astra at high effort.
GPT-6 Astra at high effort
High effortreasoning.effort = high
Leads on hard math and science (96.1% on GPQA Diamond). OpenAI's strongest model for deep work. On a budget, 6.1 Sol at extra high effort is close behind.
How it compares
Prices are in US dollars per million tokens, input then output. GPT-6 Astra costs $10 / $50.
| Model | Price | Against the pick |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-6.1 Sol | $2 / $10 | Within 2 points on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, at about an eighth of the cost per task. |
| GPT-6 SolOlder | $2 / $10 | Replaced by 6.1 Sol at the same price. |
| GPT-6 Luna | $0.10 / $0.50 | Too light for deep work. |
Setting it in the API
In an API request, set the model and effort like this:
model: "gpt-6-astra", reasoning: { effort: "high" }
Maintained by the AI team at Vegan Hacktivists
Prices are per million tokens, input / output. We pick for the best result per dollar, so a pricier model can score higher and still lose out. This pick last changed Oct 9, 2026. Sources: Anthropic docs, OpenAI docs, Gemini docs, Artificial Analysis, Vals AI.Last checked Oct 12, 2026.
Other picks
OpenAI for code, everyday work, agents and automations.
Other labs for research: Claude, Gemini.
Open the interactive picker to switch between labs and tasks.
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