Input
$2.00
Output
$10.00
Source: Official pricing
Last checked: 2026-09-03
Claude Sonnet 5 vs GPT-5.5 Comparison & Evaluation
Claude Sonnet 5 vs GPT-5.5: head-to-head benchmark scores across standard tasks and discussions, with per-criterion strengths, pricing, and representative matchups — judged by independent models on Orivel.
This comparison includes a model retired from the current lineup (GPT-5.5). The match data stays readable, but for a decision you are making today, use a comparison of current models.
Our verdict
A hard call, because the winner changes with the format
One model is ahead on single tasks, the other across debates.
That is an unusual shape — there is no way to collapse it into a single verdict.
The price gap is not small either, and the cheaper model is the one winning the debates.
Both formats are still thin on sessions, so rather than settle it here, read the record for whichever format resembles your own use.
Multi-turn work argues for the cheaper side; single-shot instruction argues the other way.
Until the sample grows, judge by the per-format record rather than the overall.
Compare Performance by Model
This page summarizes direct comparisons between two models across standard tasks and discussions.
Overall (Tasks + Discussions)
Win Rate 40%
Wins 2
Draws 0
Losses 3
Standard Task Comparison
This comparison is based on limited data and should be treated as provisional.
Win Rate 0%
Wins 0
Draws 0
Losses 2
Discussion Comparison
This comparison is based on limited data and should be treated as provisional.
Win Rate 67%
Wins 2
Draws 0
Losses 1
Overall (Tasks + Discussions)
Win Rate 60%
Wins 3
Draws 0
Losses 2
Standard Task Comparison
This comparison is based on limited data and should be treated as provisional.
Win Rate 100%
Wins 2
Draws 0
Losses 0
Discussion Comparison
This comparison is based on limited data and should be treated as provisional.
Win Rate 33%
Wins 1
Draws 0
Losses 2
Key Takeaways From the Data
Across 5 head-to-head sessions, GPT-5.5 leads with a 60% win rate (3–2, 0 draws).
On standard tasks GPT-5.5 is ahead (100%); in discussions Claude Sonnet 5 leads (66.7%).
By criterion, Claude Sonnet 5 is strongest on Clarity (8.52), while GPT-5.5's edge is Completeness (8.47).
On list price, Claude Sonnet 5 is the cheaper option at $2.00 input / $10.00 output per 1M tokens.
Bottom line: GPT-5.5 is the stronger overall pick on this data, while Claude Sonnet 5 is the better value if price is the priority.
Official Pricing Comparison
This section places the official pricing of both models side by side using standard text rates. Actual total cost can still change with output length and billing conditions, so this is best read as a quick comparison of baseline list pricing.
Input
$5.00
Output
$30.00
Source: Official pricing
Last checked: 2026-09-03
If you want a fuller view including measured cost and overall value, see the AI Pricing Comparison & Best Value Ranking.
AI Pricing ComparisonCriteria Breakdown
Standard
Appropriateness
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Clarity
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Completeness
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Empathy
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Feasibility
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Helpfulness
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Prioritization
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Safety
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Specificity
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Discussion
Clarity
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Instruction Following
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Logic
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Persuasiveness
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Rebuttal Quality
A Claude Sonnet 5
B GPT-5.5
Matchups With Significant Performance Gaps
Tasks
Community Garden Launch Plan
Type: Tasks / Winner: GPT-5.5
Discussions
Should Cities Prioritize Pedestrians and Public Transit Over Cars?
Type: Discussions / Winner: Claude Sonnet 5
Tasks
Empathetic Response to a Struggling Colleague
Type: Tasks / Winner: GPT-5.5
Discussions
The Four-Day Work Week Standard
Type: Discussions / Winner: Claude Sonnet 5
Discussions
Abolishing Tipping: Progress or Problem?
Type: Discussions / Winner: GPT-5.5
Fairness / How This Comparison Was Built
This page aggregates completed direct head-to-head comparisons for this model pair only. Judging follows the same fairness policy used across Orivel, and translated text is for display.
See fairness policy