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AI Model Arena

Send the same prompt to 2–3 AI models at once. Compare the answers, time to first token, token usage and cost side by side, and if you like, hide the model names in a blind test to choose without bias.

AI Model Arena Guide

Benchmark tables give you a rough idea, but they do not tell you which model is good at your work. AI Model Arena sends the same prompt to 2–3 models at once and shows the answer, time to first token, total time, token usage and cost side by side. Below I explain how to read the metrics and why the blind test matters.

Why does time to first token (TTFT) matter?

In chat interfaces, users feel how long it takes for an answer to start more than the total time. TTFT is the time from sending the request until the first piece of text arrives. Reasoning models think before they answer, so their TTFT is usually longer. The tool measures times in your browser, so the values include network latency and stay close to the real user experience.

Tokens and cost

At the end of each answer, the input and output token counts reported by the provider are shown. Cost is calculated by multiplying these counts by the Vercel AI Gateway list price. A model that gives a shorter but sufficient answer can cost less overall, even if its unit price is higher. For a monthly budget estimate, use the cost calculator in the AI Model Comparison tool.

Unbiased choice with a blind test

Knowing the model name affects your judgement. In blind test mode, models are picked at random and shown as Model A, B and C; the names are revealed after you vote. The same method underpins community leaderboards such as LMArena. Votes stay in your browser tab only.

Tips for a better comparison

Use sample prompts from your real workload; do not decide on a single question. Sharpening the prompt first with AI Prompt Optimizer narrows the difference between models down to answer quality. Before wiring the model you choose into a product, test your system prompt against attacks with AI Prompt Injection Tester.

Blog · Topics · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AI Model Comparison shows model pricing, context windows and benchmark data in a table. AI Model Arena sends your own prompt to the models live and measures the real answer, speed and cost.
It measures the time between the moment the request leaves your browser and the moment the first piece of text arrives. The value includes network latency.
Models are picked at random and shown as Model A, B and C. Model names are revealed after you vote for the best answer. Votes are never sent anywhere.
The input and output token counts reported by the provider are multiplied by the Vercel AI Gateway list prices. Each answer is capped at 1,024 tokens.