How we pick AI setups

Evidence first

Each pick cites public evidence: vendor pricing and docs, release notes, and independent benchmarks and leaderboards (for example Terminal-Bench, DeepSWE, LiveBench and blind-vote arenas). Sources are listed at the bottom of every setup page. When sources disagree, we say so on the page.

One pick, with alternatives

We name one recommended loadout per task and at least three alternatives, each with what it is best for, the models it runs, the price from the vendor or a cited source, and whether a free plan exists.

Freshness rules

Picks are re-checked regularly. The "Updated" date on a page only changes when a pick, the answer, the comparison table or the FAQ changes, and every change gets a dated changelog entry with the reason. We never bump dates for cosmetic edits.

What we do not claim

We do not publish invented ratings, reviews, usage numbers or search volumes. Prices can change after we check them, so confirm with the vendor before buying.

Affiliate links and sponsors

Some outbound links may be affiliate links. They are labeled "affiliate" and use rel="sponsored nofollow". Sponsored slots are labeled "Sponsored". Neither affects which tool, model, skill or persona we recommend.

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