Best LLMs For Coding: Overview, Tables and Costs
November 22, 2024
•
Hugo Huijer
Looking for the right LLM to help with your coding projects? I've dug through the specs and pricing of various models to help you make an informed decision. While I haven't personally tested all these models (let's be honest here!), I've analyzed their specifications and market positioning to give you a solid overview of what's available.
What are the best LLMs for coding?
When it comes to coding assistance, you'll want an LLM that not only understands your code but can also provide meaningful suggestions and help with debugging. I've selected five models that stand out for different reasons - from the premium powerhouses to the budget-friendly options that punch above their weight.
| Model | Context Window | Price (Input/Output) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude 3 Opus | 200K tokens | $15/$75 per 1M tokens | Professional development, complex projects |
| Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview | 1M tokens | $0.08/$0.31 per 1M tokens | Large codebase analysis, best value |
| Mistral Large Latest | 128K tokens | $3/$9 per 1M tokens | Balanced performance |
| Claude 3 Haiku | 200K tokens | $0.25/$1.25 per 1M tokens | Quick coding tasks |
| GPT-4 O Mini | 128K tokens | $0.15/$0.6 per 1M tokens | Reliable everyday coding |
Anthropic - Claude 3 Opus
If budget isn't your primary concern and you need the absolute best, Claude 3 Opus is your go-to choice. It's like having a senior developer at your fingertips - expensive, but potentially worth every penny for professional development teams.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Context Window | 200K tokens |
| Price (Input/Output) | $15/$75 per 1M tokens |
| Key Strength | Highest capability model |
Google - Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview
This is the hidden gem in the current LLM landscape. With its massive 1M token context window and surprisingly affordable pricing, it's perfect for developers working with large codebases. The preview pricing makes it an absolute steal for what you get.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Context Window | 1M tokens |
| Price (Input/Output) | $0.08/$0.31 per 1M tokens |
| Key Strength | Massive context window |
Mistral - Mistral Large Latest
Mistral's flagship model hits a sweet spot between capability and cost. While not as well-known as some competitors, it's gaining traction in the developer community for its solid performance and reasonable pricing.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Context Window | 128K tokens |
| Price (Input/Output) | $3/$9 per 1M tokens |
| Key Strength | Balanced performance |
Anthropic - Claude 3 Haiku
Think of Haiku as the quick-witted cousin in the Claude family. It's perfect for those rapid coding sessions where you need quick feedback or assistance. While not as powerful as Opus, it maintains the same impressive context window at a fraction of the cost.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Context Window | 200K tokens |
| Price (Input/Output) | $0.25/$1.25 per 1M tokens |
| Key Strength | Fast responses |
OpenAI - GPT-4 O Mini
OpenAI's offering brings their proven technology at a more accessible price point. It's like having a reliable coding buddy who might not know everything but consistently delivers solid advice.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Context Window | 128K tokens |
| Price (Input/Output) | $0.15/$0.6 per 1M tokens |
| Key Strength | Reliable performance |
Remember, the best LLM for your coding needs depends on various factors - your budget, project size, and specific requirements. I'd suggest starting with Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview if you're looking for the best value, or Claude 3 Haiku if you need quick assistance without breaking the bank. For professional teams working on complex projects, Claude 3 Opus might be worth the investment despite its higher cost.
Feel free to mix and match these options - there's nothing wrong with using different models for different tasks. After all, you wouldn't use a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame, right?