This ranking answers the simplest question: which model gives you the most benchmark performance per dollar? It divides each model's overall weighted score (across all 8 categories) by its output token price. The leaders here are generalist value picks — strong across coding, reasoning, agentic, knowledge, and more, at prices that won't break your API budget. Start here if you need a single cost-effective model for mixed workloads.
Unless noted otherwise, ranking surfaces on this page use BenchLM's provisional leaderboard lane rather than the stricter sourced-only verified leaderboard.
Bottom line: Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite offers the most all-around capability per dollar. GPT-4o mini is a strong OpenAI alternative. For budget-constrained mixed workloads, start here.
According to BenchLM.ai, DeepSeek V4 Flash (Max) leads this ranking with a score of 271.43, followed by DeepSeek V4 Flash (High) (253.57) and DeepSeek V4 Flash (210.71). There is a significant gap between the leading models and the rest of the field.
The best open-weight option is DeepSeek V4 Flash (Max) (ranked #1 with a score of 271.43). Open-weight models are highly competitive in this category — self-hosting is a viable alternative to proprietary APIs.
This ranking is based on provisional overall weighted scores across BenchLM.ai's scoring formula tracked by BenchLM.ai. For detailed model profiles, click any model name below. To compare two specific models head-to-head, use the "vs #" links.
DeepSeek V4 Flash (Max)
DeepSeek · 1M
Score: 76 · $0.28/1M
DeepSeek V4 Flash (High)
DeepSeek · 1M
Score: 71 · $0.28/1M
DeepSeek V4 Flash
DeepSeek · 1M
Score: 59 · $0.28/1M
Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite leads overall value — most benchmark performance per dollar across all categories.
GPT-4o mini best overall value in OpenAI's lineup.
GPT-4.1 nano strong value pick for reasoning-heavy mixed workloads.
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The best value model is DeepSeek V4 Flash (Max) by DeepSeek with a provisional Score/$ ratio of 271.43 (score: 76, output: $0.28/1M tokens).
The best open-weight model is DeepSeek V4 Flash (Max) at position #1.
66 models are included in this ranking.
Value scores divide the weighted overall score by output token price (per 1M tokens). Higher means more capability per dollar. Models with no listed price are excluded.
Value rankings favor cheap models even if absolute performance is modest. A model scoring half as well at one-tenth the price wins on value — but may not meet your quality bar. Always check raw scores alongside value rankings.
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