Pairwise benchmark snapshot · Aug 16, 2026
In this head-to-head showdown, GPT-5.6 Luna delivers higher overall intelligence and human-preferred responses (Elo 1,466 vs 1,344), while GPT-5.6 Luna leads in SWE-bench software engineering benchmarks (61.8%), while GPT-5.6 Luna is more budget-friendly at $1.2/1M per 1M output tokens. Review the complete breakdown below to determine which model best fits your performance and budget requirements.
9 direct benchmark disciplines evaluated across capability, speed, and cost
OpenAI 5.6 fast/cheap tier. Official API $0.20/$1.20 per 1M after the Jul 30 80% Luna cut.
Δ 122 Arena Elo pts
188 tok/s
$1.2 / 1M output
Relative percentile scores computed across all active models in the benchmark catalog.
Comparing top Western standard models with China's leading frontier rival across 6 skill dimensions. Tap any spoke or dot to inspect.
Category wins across reasoning intelligence, generation speed, and token cost.
Preference Elo, Coding proficiency, SWE-bench & LiveBench accuracy
Generation throughput and time to first token responsiveness
Cost per million tokens and max context window length
| Benchmark | Command A | GPT-5.6 Luna | Advantage Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preference Elo | +122 | ||
| Coding Elo | — | — | |
| LiveBench | +8% | ||
| SWE-bench | +19.2% | ||
| GPQA Diamond | +9.4% | ||
| Time to first token | +87 ms | ||
| Output speed | 118 tok/s | 188 tok/s | +70 tok/s |
| Input price | $2.5/1M | +$2.3/1M | |
| Output price | +$8.8/1M | ||
| Context window | +744k |
Simulate monthly production API costs in USD (US Dollar).
GPT-5.6 Luna is estimated to save $212.50/month ($2,550/year).
Higher SWE-bench (61.8%).
Lower output list price ($1.2/1M).
Lower TTFT (88 ms).
Larger window (1M).
GPT-5.6 Luna is the side marked multimodal in the catalog.
| Target Workload | Recommended Pick | Evaluation Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Repo / coding agents | GPT-5.6 Luna | Higher SWE-bench (61.8%). |
| High-volume chat | GPT-5.6 Luna | Lower output list price ($1.2/1M). |
| Voice / low-latency UI | GPT-5.6 Luna | Lower TTFT (88 ms). |
| Long-document RAG | GPT-5.6 Luna | Larger window (1M). |
| Screenshots / vision | GPT-5.6 Luna | GPT-5.6 Luna is the side marked multimodal in the catalog. |
Luna is the OpenAI fast/cheap 5.6 SKU after Jul 30. It is not Sol. Sort by price and TTFT, not Elo.
High-volume agents that cannot pay Sol. Compare to Luna before you assume the new cheap SKU wins.
Mar 2025. RAG and tools, not a frontier Elo play. Listed so “command a benchmark” has a sourced page.
No comments posted on this matchup yet. Be the first to share an evaluation note!
Dynamic OpenGraph banner generated at /compare/command-a-vs-gpt-5-6-luna/opengraph-image
Verified Head-to-Head Telemetry