llm-model-selection

# LLM Model Selection Skill > Choosing the right model for the task — power vs. cost vs. speed. ## ⚠️ Staleness Warning This skill depends on rapidly evolving technology. Model capabilities, pricing, and availability change frequently. **Refresh triggers:** - New model announcements (Claude, GPT, Gemini, etc.) - Significant pricing changes - Context window expansions - New capability tiers **Last validated:** March 2026 (Claude 4.6 generation) **Check current state:** [Anthropic Models](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/docs/about-claude/models), [OpenAI Models](https://platform.openai.com/docs/models) --- ## The Core Question > Is Claude Opus 4.6 overkill? **Sometimes yes, sometimes no.** Match the model to the task. ## Claude 4 Model Family (Current) | Model | API ID | Best For | Input/Output (MTok) | Context | Max Output | | ----- | ------ | -------- | ------------------- | ------- | ---------- | | **Opus 4.6** | `claude-opus-4-6` | Building agents, most intelligent | $5 / $25 | 200K (1M beta) | 128K | | **Sonnet 4.6** | `claude-sonnet-4-6` | Best speed + intelligence balance | $3 / $15 | 200K (1M beta) | 64K | | **Haiku 4.5** | `claude-haiku-4-5-20251001` | Near-frontier intelligence, fastest | $1 / $5 | 200K | 64K | **All Claude 4 models support:** - Extended thinking - Vision (images) - Tool use - Priority Tier access **Opus 4.6 and Sonnet 4.6 additionally support:** - Adaptive thinking (dynamic reasoning depth) - 1M token context window (beta, via `...