Opus 5.5 medium costs 1.8x more per token but completes ~3x as many tasks on same-priced plans
scaling01 · x · 2026-10-06
Responding to OpenAI's messaging, scaling01 argues the real comparison is: Opus 5.5 max is far ahead of Sol 6.1 max, and Opus 5.5 medium roughly matches Sol 6.1 max.
The math:
- At API prices, Opus 5.5 medium is 1.8x more expensive but 3x faster per task
- On same-priced subscription plans, Opus 5.5 medium completes 3x as many tasks, since Claude plans include 5.6x more usage
Takeaway: on value-for-money, Claude's plans come out ahead; the author also mocks OpenAI's spokesperson as overly cocky.
Related event: Blogger Claims Opus 5.5 Medium Runs 3x Faster Than Sol 6.1(2 posts)→
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