When to use which ChatGPT model

Do you work with ChatGPT on a daily basis and keep doubting which model to select? You're not the only one. OpenAI now has a wide range of models, each with its own character, speed and price tag. But how do you know which model is right for your task?

The three main types of ChatGPT models

OpenAI's models can be broadly divided into three categories. Each type is suitable for a different type of work. The chat models are ideal for daily content creation, brainstorms or customer interaction. The reasoning models are great for strategic thinking and complex analysis. And the lightweight models are perfect for bulk production or rapid iterations. Knowing which model is best to use when makes your work more efficient and avoids frustration.

Chat models: versatile and easy to use

Are you working on copy, ideas, creative assignments or general prompts? Then you'll be fine with the standard chat models.

GPT-4o is currently the all-around favorite. Fast, versatile and suitable for text and images.
GPT-4.1 excels at following complex instructions, especially in development tasks.
GPT-4.1 mini is a lighter, faster version ideal for standard tasks without much depth.
GPT-4.5 preview offers more room for creativity, but is still in the testing phase.

For most marketers, GPT-4o will be the best choice. It is stable, fast and flexible enough for a variety of tasks.

Reasoning models: if you're looking for more depth

Sometimes you don't need quick output, but content sharpness. Think of strategic plans, educational content or complex data analysis. In that case, reasoning models such as o3 and o3-pro are a better alternative.

o3-pro is the most powerful model available today. It reasons sharply, processes complex queries and provides reliable results. Disadvantage: it is somewhat slower and less suitable for visual tasks.
o3 offers almost the same power, but with a little more speed. Ideal for brainstorms or multilayered prompts that need to be logically structured.

Use these models when accuracy and structure are more important than speed.

Light and fast: the models for bulk production

Do you need speed, work with large volumes or are looking for cost optimization? Then the o4-mini models are your best friends.

o4-mini scores well on visual reasoning, simple code and repeatable tasks. The model combines speed with solid output at a favorable price.
o4-mini-high offers a small quality improvement for visual or technical questions.

These models are ideal for automated campaigns, internal tools or large-scale content generation.

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