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, Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite leads this ranking with a score of 127.5, followed by GPT-4o mini (75) and GPT-4.1 nano (70). There is a significant gap between the leading models and the rest of the field.
The best open-weight option is MiniMax M2.7 (ranked #5 with a score of 54.17). While proprietary models lead, open-weight options are within striking distance for teams willing to trade a few points of performance for full model control.
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.
Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite
Google · 1M
Score: 51 · $0.4/1M
Best overall value. Most capability per dollar across all categories.
GPT-4o mini
OpenAI · 128K
Score: 45 · $0.6/1M
Best OpenAI value. Solid all-around performance at low cost.
GPT-4.1 nano
OpenAI · 1M
Score: 28 · $0.4/1M
Strong value for reasoning-heavy workloads.
Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite leads overall value — most benchmark performance per dollar across all categories.
GPT-4o mini best overall value in OpenAI's lineup.
GPT-4.1 nano strong value pick for reasoning-heavy mixed workloads.
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The best value model is Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite by Google with a provisional Score/$ ratio of 127.5 (score: 51, output: $0.4/1M tokens).
The best open-weight model is MiniMax M2.7 at position #5.
37 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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