GPT-5.5 vs Claude Opus 4.8
The two most powerful premium AI models. Compare pricing, context windows, and find the best value for your high-stakes production workloads.
Pricing data verified: Jun 10, 2026
| Specification | GPT-5.5 (OpenAI) | Claude Opus 4.8 (Anthropic) |
|---|---|---|
| Input Price (per 1M tokens) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Output Price (per 1M tokens) | $30.00 | $25.00 |
| Context Window | 1.05M tokens | 1M tokens |
| Tier | Premium | Premium |
| Provider | OpenAI | Anthropic |
| Input Savings vs Other | Same price | 17% cheaper output |
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Premium tier — maximum capability for complex, high-value tasks.
Other Premium Models
Which Premium Model for Which Use Case?
Complex Research Analysis
Deep research tasks requiring maximum reasoning capability. Both models are top-tier, but Opus 4.8 is 17% cheaper on output tokens.
Ultra-Long Document Processing
Processing documents over 1M tokens — legal discovery, large codebases, research archives. GPT-5.5's 1.05M context gives a slight edge.
Enterprise AI Assistant
High-stakes enterprise deployments requiring maximum quality. Both models deliver premium results. Opus 4.8 saves 17% on output.
Content Generation at Scale
Long-form content, marketing campaigns, product documentation. Both handle this well. Opus 4.8 at $5/$25 vs GPT-5.5 at $5/$30.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GPT-5.5 more expensive than Claude Opus 4.8?
GPT-5.5 and Claude Opus 4.8 have the same input price at $5/M tokens. However, GPT-5.5 is 20% more expensive on output at $30/M compared to Opus 4.8's $25/M. For output-heavy workloads, Opus 4.8 is the more cost-effective choice.
Which has a larger context window?
GPT-5.5 has a slightly larger context window at 1.05M tokens compared to Claude Opus 4.8's 1M tokens. Both models can handle extremely long documents and conversations, making them suitable for complex enterprise use cases.
When should I choose Claude Opus 4.8 over GPT-5.5?
Choose Claude Opus 4.8 when you need: (1) Maximum output quality for complex reasoning tasks, (2) Cost savings on output-heavy workloads (17% cheaper), (3) Anthropic's specific training advantages in nuanced analysis. For most premium use cases, Opus 4.8 offers better value per dollar.
Can I mix GPT-5.5 and Claude Opus 4.8 to optimize costs?
Yes. Use GPT-5.5 for tasks requiring its slightly larger 1.05M context window, and route output-heavy reasoning tasks to Claude Opus 4.8 (17% cheaper output). This multi-model strategy can save 10-20% while maintaining premium quality.