When identifying a model, ask three questions: Who developed it? Which exact version are you using? Through what channel are you accessing it? Models in one family can differ in features, prices, and licensing.
GPT and ChatGPT are not the same thing
GPT is one of OpenAI’s model-family names; ChatGPT is a user-facing product. Product features and subscription benefits should not be confused with developer API billing. Record the exact model identifier when evaluating, not simply “used ChatGPT.”
Claude and Gemini
Claude is an Anthropic model family and product brand; Gemini is a Google model family and related product brand. Check image input, tool calls, context length, and file handling for the exact version and channel. Do not assume chat-interface features are available in an API.
DeepSeek, Qwen, and open-weight approaches
DeepSeek and Alibaba’s Qwen have both released models for developer use. Open weights may provide parameter files, but do not mean every version is freely usable commercially or that local deployment has no cost. Read the model card, license, and hardware requirements for each download.
How should you organize candidates?
Do not simply rank families from first to fifth. Record the exact model, access channel, input types, task-test results, billing method, and data terms. Mark unverifiable fields “to be confirmed” instead of copying marketing language into a comparison table.
Official resources to check
- OpenAI developer documentation
- Anthropic documentation
- Google Gemini API documentation
- DeepSeek API documentation
- Qwen project information
These are official starting points for verification, not proof that this site tested current versions, prices, or performance. This article gives no live prices and does not claim that any promotional platform supports these families.