Picking the right large language model (LLM) for your app affects how well it works, how fast it runs, and what it costs. ArcBlock’s AIGNE gives you instant access to models like ChatGPT, Grok, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Claude. Here’s a straightforward guide to choosing one based on your need, using specific versions as of today.
What Kind of Model Do You Need?#
In every situation, builders must consider different factors when choosing an LLM. Is latency acceptable? Or do you need fast responses? Do you need deep thinking or reasoning, or can older models deliver the quality you need? And balancing cost versus speed and response quality is always a concern.
Here is a breakdown of several of today's leading models and how their capabilities align with speed, cost and quality.
Model Comparison#
| Category | ChatGPT (GPT-4o) | Grok (Grok 3) | DeepSeek (DeepSeek-R1) | Gemini (Gemini 2.0 Pro) | Claude (Claude 3.5 Sonnet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Capabilities | General-purpose, multimodal (text + images) | General-purpose, reasoning-focused | Lightweight, efficient | Multimodal (text + images) | Reasoning-focused, safety-oriented |
| Task Suitability | Chats, support, text generation, multimodal | Conversations, Q&A, education, technical | Real-time tools, automation | Search, design, mixed-media | Education, technical, sensitive logic |
| Language Support | Broad, multilingual | Broad, multilingual | Broad, multilingual | Broad, multilingual | Broad, multilingual |
| Context Window Size | Large (e.g., 128k tokens) | Medium-large (e.g., 32k-64k tokens) | Smaller (e.g., 16k-32k tokens) | Large (e.g., 64k-128k tokens) | Large (e.g., 200k tokens) |
| Reasoning Abilities | Strong (coding, planning) | Very strong (complex queries) | Basic (not a focus) | Moderate (analytical tasks) | Very strong (logic, safety) |
| Fine-tunability | Yes, via OpenAI API | Limited (xAI controls) | Yes, open-source options | Limited (Google controls) | Limited (Anthropic controls) |
| Performance Metrics | |||||
| - Accuracy | High | High | Moderate | High | Very high |
| - Fluency | Very high | High | Moderate-high | High | Very high |
| - Latency | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| - Throughput | High | Medium-high | Very high | High | Medium-high |
| - Robustness | High | High | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Cost | |||||
| - Inference | Moderate-high | Moderate | Low | Moderate-high | Moderate |
| - Fine-tuning | High (if available) | N/A (limited access) | Low (open-source) | N/A (limited access) | N/A (limited access) |
Notes:#
- Context Window Size: Estimated ranges based on typical LLM trends (e.g., GPT-4o’s 128k, Claude’s 200k). Exact sizes can depend on AIGNE’s implementation.
- Fine-tunability: Open-source models like DeepSeek offer more flexibility; proprietary ones (Grok, Gemini, Claude) are more restricted.
- Performance Metrics: Qualitative since exact numbers (e.g., latency in ms) weren’t in the original. “Low” latency for DeepSeek-R1 reflects its design focus.
- Cost: Relative terms (low, moderate, high) based on inference efficiency and provider pricing models. DeepSeek wins on low cost due to its lightweight nature.
- Infrastructure: You can run any of these through ArcBlock's Blocklet launcher or your own Blocklet Server
Tips for Picking#
As an easy first step, start with your app's needs: speed, smarts, or savings. ChatGPT (GPT-4o) is a safe bet for general use. DeepSeek-R1 keeps things fast and cheap. Gemini 2.0 Pro handles images, while Grok 3 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet tackle deeper reasoning—Claude’s a bit safer for the tricky stuff.
Visit https://https://store.blocklet.dev/, launch AIGNE and start testing. You can quickly switch models like GPT-4o for chats, and DeepSeek-R1 for background tasks can work well. If you are not getting the results you want, switch the LLM; AIGNE’s got you covered.
Next Steps#
AIGNE gives you instant access ChatGPT, Grok, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Claude—each does something different. When matched with AIGNE's no-code app interface, it's easy to build your next AI app.
Get started at www.aigne.io and stay tuned for our next article where we look at how can ensure quality and safety with your responses.
Listen to The Overview#
Learn More#
General LLM Selection#
- "A Survey of Large Language Models" (arXiv, 2024)
Link: arXiv:2303.18223
Why: Covers LLM trade-offs like latency and cost.
ChatGPT (GPT-4o)#
- "GPT-4 Technical Report" (OpenAI, 2023) + Updates
Link: openai.com/research
Why: Details GPT-4o’s multimodal capabilities and metrics.
Grok (Grok 3)#
- "xAI Blog: Grok Updates" (xAI, 2023-2025)
Link: xai.ai/blog
Why: Official info on Grok 3’s reasoning and performance.
DeepSeek (DeepSeek-R1)#
- "DeepSeek LLM Docs" (DeepSeek, 2024)
Link: deepseek-ai.github.io
Why: Specs on DeepSeek-R1’s efficiency and fine-tunability.
Gemini (Gemini 2.0 Pro)#
- "Gemini Models" (Google Research, 2024)
Link: research.google/pubs
Why: Overview of Gemini 2.0 Pro’s multimodal features.
Claude (Claude 3.5 Sonnet)#
- "Claude 3 Model Card" (Anthropic, 2024)
Link: anthropic.com/research
Why: Highlights Claude 3.5 Sonnet’s reasoning and safety.
ArcBlock’s AIGNE#
- "AIGNE Documentation" (2025)
Link: arcblock.io/en/aigne
Why: How AIGNE integrates these models.