Top AI Models for Vibe Coding (LATEST Tier List)

AI Model Tier List Update

Overview of the Video

• The video discusses updates to a tier list for 23 AI models based on extensive testing across various projects.

• Unlike previous evaluations focused solely on raw capabilities, this update considers practical applications and combinations of models.

Fable 5: S+ Tier with Caveats

• Fable 5 is rated as S+ due to its high intelligence but struggles with coding tasks, often routing such requests to Opus 4.8.

• It is recommended to use Fable 5 in planning mode only, avoiding direct coding tasks to maximize its value.

• An example project—a space shooter game—demonstrates Fable 5's ability to create engaging gameplay mechanics through thoughtful design.

Limitations and Workflows

• While Fable 5 excels in planning, it has limitations when executing code; users should leverage other models for implementation after initial planning.

• The speaker emphasizes a workflow where specifications are created by Fable 5 and then handed off to other models for execution, particularly Chinese models like Kimi 2.7 and Minimax M3 which excel at following instructions but struggle with long-term tasks.

Evaluating GPT Models

GPT 5.6 Soul and Terra

• GPT 5.6 Soul is currently rated S tier but may drop due to recent nerfs affecting its reasoning capabilities, especially for complex coding tasks.

• In contrast, GPT 5.6 Terra remains strong without any nerfs and is seen as a cost-effective alternative for grunt work compared to GPT 5.5, which is now placed in B tier.

Performance of Luna

• GPT 5.6 Luna is also categorized in B tier; it performs well for straightforward tasks but lacks depth in reasoning or user experience considerations during development processes.

GLM Models Performance

GLM 5.2: A Strong Contender

• GLM 5.2 receives an S tier rating due to its impressive output quality despite being a text-only model; it can create visually appealing websites effectively compared to others with vision capabilities.

• Its open-source nature allows advanced engineers to enhance its functionality significantly, making it highly adaptable depending on user expertise in fine-tuning the model's performance.

Comparison with Other Models

• Compared against other top-tier models (S and A), GLM 5.2 shows that many tasks can be completed independently without needing further input from Fable 5 after initial specifications are provided.

Insights on Other Models

Opus and C Tier Models

• Opus 4.8 ranks in A tier as a reliable choice within the Claude ecosystem that follows through on specifications given by Fable 5 effectively.

C Tier Analysis

• Long Cat and High 3 are placed in C tier due to their lower performance compared to B-tier counterparts; they represent less capable versions of existing models from non-AI native companies like Meituan and Tencent respectively.

Grok Model Evaluation

Grok's Unique Strength

• Grok 4.5 earns an A tier rating because it's specifically trained for news aggregation tasks on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), showcasing superior performance over other generalist models when handling social media content analysis.

Quint Model Insights

• Quint’s various iterations show competitive strengths; Quint Max stands out for internal reasoning abilities while Quint Plus focuses more on multimodal capabilities.

Final Thoughts

General Recommendations

• The speaker concludes that while Fable 5 serves as the foundation for project specifications, users should avoid letting it handle coding directly—handing off these responsibilities instead enhances overall productivity using B-tier or higher models.

Closing Remarks

• Viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts about model rankings or experiences with different AI tools discussed throughout the video before signing off from the session entirely at timestamp .