Compare available AI models in Copilot Chat and choose the best model for your task.
Comparison of AI models for GitHub CopilotGitHub Copilot supports multiple AI models with different capabilities. The model you choose affects the quality and relevance of responses by Copilot Chat and Copilot code completion. Some models offer lower latency, while others offer fewer hallucinations or better performance on specific tasks. This guide helps you pick the best model based on your task, not just model names.
Note
Different models have different premium request multipliers, which can affect how much of your monthly usage allowance is consumed. For details, see Requests in GitHub Copilot.
Recommended models by taskUse this table to find a suitable model quickly, see more detail in the sections below.
Model Task area Excels at (primary use case) Additional capabilities GPT-4.1 General-purpose coding and writing Fast, accurate code completions and explanations Agent mode, vision GPT-5 mini Deep reasoning and debugging Well-defined tasks and precise prompts Reasoning GPT-5 Deep reasoning and debugging Multi-step problem solving and architecture-level code analysis Reasoning o3 Deep reasoning and debugging Multi-step problem solving and architecture-level code analysis Reasoning o4-mini Fast help with simple or repetitive tasks Fast, reliable answers to lightweight coding questions Lower latency Claude Opus 4.1 Deep reasoning and debugging Complex problem-solving challenges, sophisticated reasoning Reasoning, vision Claude Opus 4 Deep reasoning and debugging Complex problem-solving challenges, sophisticated reasoning Reasoning, vision Claude Sonnet 3.5 Fast help with simple or repetitive tasks Quick responses for code, syntax, and documentation Agent mode, vision Claude Sonnet 3.7 Deep reasoning and debugging Structured reasoning across large, complex codebases Agent mode, vision Claude Sonnet 4 Deep reasoning and debugging Performance and practicality, perfectly balanced for coding workflows Agent mode, vision Gemini 2.5 Pro Deep reasoning and debugging Complex code generation, debugging, and research workflows Reasoning, vision Gemini 2.0 Flash Working with visuals (diagrams, screenshots) Real-time responses and visual reasoning for UI and diagram-based tasks Vision Task: General-purpose coding and writingUse these models for common development tasks that require a balance of quality, speed, and cost efficiency. These models are a good default when you don't have specific requirements.
Model Why it's a good fit GPT-4.1 Reliable default for most coding and writing tasks. Fast, accurate, and works well across languages and frameworks. Claude Sonnet 3.7 Produces clear, structured output. Follows formatting instructions and maintains consistent style. Gemini 2.0 Flash Fast and cost-effective. Well suited for quick questions, short code snippets, and lightweight writing tasks. o4-mini Optimized for speed and cost efficiency. Ideal for real-time suggestions with low usage overhead. When to use these modelsUse one of these models if you want to:
If you're working on complex refactoring, architectural decisions, or multi-step logic, consider a model from Deep reasoning and debugging. For faster, simpler tasks like repetitive edits or one-off code suggestions, see Fast help with simple or repetitive tasks.
Task: Fast help with simple or repetitive tasksThese models are optimized for speed and responsiveness. They’re ideal for quick edits, utility functions, syntax help, and lightweight prototyping. You’ll get fast answers without waiting for unnecessary depth or long reasoning chains.
Recommended models Model Why it's a good fit o4-mini A quick and cost-effective model for repetitive or simple coding tasks. Offers clear, concise suggestions. Claude Sonnet 3.5 Balances fast responses with quality output. Ideal for small tasks and lightweight code explanations. Gemini 2.0 Flash Extremely low latency and multimodal support (where available). Great for fast, interactive feedback. When to use these modelsUse one of these models if you want to:
If you’re working on complex refactoring, architectural decisions, or multi-step logic, see Deep reasoning and debugging. For tasks that need stronger general-purpose reasoning or more structured output, see General-purpose coding and writing.
Task: Deep reasoning and debuggingThese models are designed for tasks that require step-by-step reasoning, complex decision-making, or high-context awareness. They work well when you need structured analysis, thoughtful code generation, or multi-file understanding.
Recommended models Model Why it's a good fit GPT-5 mini Delivers deep reasoning and debugging with faster responses and lower resource usage than GPT-5. Ideal for interactive sessions and step-by-step code analysis. GPT-5 Great at complex reasoning, code analysis, and technical decision-making. o3 Strong at algorithm design, system debugging, and architecture decisions. Balances performance and reasoning. Claude Sonnet 3.7 Provides hybrid reasoning that adapts to both fast tasks and deeper thinking. Claude Sonnet 4 Improves on 3.7 with more reliable completions and smarter reasoning under pressure. Claude Opus 4.1 Anthropic’s most powerful model. Improves on Claude Opus 4. Claude Opus 4 Strong at strategy, debugging, and multi-layered logic. Gemini 2.5 Pro Advanced reasoning across long contexts and scientific or technical analysis. When to use these modelsUse one of these models if you want to:
For fast iteration or lightweight tasks, see Fast help with simple or repetitive tasks. For general development workflows or content generation, see General-purpose coding and writing.
Task: Working with visuals (diagrams, screenshots)Use these models when you want to ask questions about screenshots, diagrams, UI components, or other visual input. These models support multimodal input and are well suited for front-end work or visual debugging.
Model Why it's a good fit GPT-4.1 Reliable default for most coding and writing tasks. Fast, accurate, and supports multimodal input for visual reasoning tasks. Works well across languages and frameworks. Claude Opus 4 Anthropic’s most powerful model. Strong at strategy, debugging, and multi-layered logic. Claude Sonnet 4 Improves on 3.7 with more reliable completions and smarter reasoning under pressure. Gemini 2.0 Flash Fast, multimodal model optimized for real-time interaction. Useful for feedback on diagrams, visual prototypes, and UI layouts. Gemini 2.5 Pro Deep reasoning and debugging, ideal for complex code generation, debugging, and research workflows. When to use these modelsUse one of these models if you want to:
If your task involves deep reasoning or large-scale refactoring, consider a model from Deep reasoning and debugging. For text-only tasks or simpler code edits, see Fast help with simple or repetitive tasks.
Next stepsChoosing the right model helps you get the most out of Copilot. If you're not sure which model to use, start with a general-purpose option like GPT-4.1, then adjust based on your needs.
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