OpenAI currently offers nine different AI models, and their naming system is genuinely confusing. Even experts like Ethan Mollick point out how counterintuitive it all is. Let’s make sense of this mess and figure out which model you should actually use for different tasks.
The first thing to know is that bigger numbers don’t mean better performance. In fact, the model with the highest number is often not the best choice. Mini versions are generally worse and faster than their full-sized counterparts—except for o3-mini-high, which is somehow the second-best model overall.
Here’s the actual hierarchy of OpenAI’s o-series models: o1 Pro > o3-mini-high > o1 > o3-mini. Not exactly what you’d guess, is it?
To make things even more complicated, different models have different capabilities. Some can see images, some can browse the web, some run searches even when that feature is turned off, and some can execute code while others can’t. There’s no clear labeling system to tell you which can do what.
Quick Guide to Picking the Right OpenAI Model
For Creative Writing
GPT-4.5 is your best bet. It excels at creative tasks and writing. If you’re on the Plus plan, GPT-4o is a good alternative.
For Complex Reasoning
When you need to solve complex problems, o1 Pro is the top choice. If you don’t have access to o1 Pro, o3-mini-high performs surprisingly well, especially on the Plus plan.
For Code and STEM Topics
o3-mini-high is ideal for coding and STEM-related tasks. It has strong reasoning capabilities specifically in these technical areas.
For Images and Multimedia
GPT-4o is your go-to model for handling images or multimedia content. It has the visual processing capabilities needed for these tasks.
For Quick, Cheaper Responses
GPT-4o mini gives you faster responses at a lower cost. You sacrifice some precision, but for many everyday tasks, it’s good enough.
Why Is This So Complicated?
OpenAI really needs to simplify their naming system and create clearer distinctions between model capabilities. The current setup forces users to test multiple models to figure out which one works best for their specific needs—not exactly user-friendly.
And here’s something most beginners don’t realize: OpenAI’s models aren’t even always the best options available. Models from other companies often perform better for specific tasks:
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet from Anthropic is excellent for coding and offers a more consistent experience
- DeepSeek Coder outperforms most models for programming tasks
- Grok 3 from xAI has strong capabilities in STEM fields and problem-solving
The model landscape keeps changing rapidly. What’s true today might not be true next month. Pricing changes and new model releases can completely shift which option makes the most sense.
The Bottom Line
If you just want a simple recommendation: for everyday tasks, Claude 3.7 Sonnet provides the best balance of capabilities, reliability, and simplicity. It’s great for most general-purpose uses without the confusion of OpenAI’s model picker.
But if you’re committed to using OpenAI’s offerings, follow the guide above to pick the right model for your specific task. And be prepared to test different options to find what truly works best for your needs.
The AI model space is complex and constantly evolving. Understanding which model to use when is a valuable skill that will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
