WhichAI.todayGPT-5.6 Sol
OpenAI
Pick this when you already work in ChatGPT and want top search performance.
Skip it when you need a citation you can open and the answer does not show one.
LMArena Search 1258.
GPT-5.6 Sol vs Qwen3.8-Max
Updated Nov 12, 2026. Checked daily. Last checked Nov 13, 2026.
The short answer
Qwen3.8-Max ranks ahead in every job we track where either appears (research & web search).
GPT-5.6 Sol
0 of 1 job ahead
Paid plan
Qwen3.8-Max
1 of 1 job ahead
Free (limited)
Head to head, job by job
Each job ranks a #1, an alternative, and an open-weights pick from public leaderboards. Bars compare the two scores on that job's own signal.
GPT-5.6 SolQwen3.8-Max
Which one should you pick?
Qwen3.8-Max
Alibaba
Pick this when you want the highest-rated search model on the leaderboard.
Skip it when you require strict enterprise data boundaries under Western jurisdictions.
LMArena Search 1260.
Price, access, and privacy
GPT-5.6 SolQwen3.8-Max
Cost
Uses a ChatGPT plan. Check the plan page for the current price.
Free on the web interface, with paid API pricing per token.
Free tier
A free plan may include limited search.
A free plan is available on the web with usage limits.
Where to get it
Apps
- ChatGPT, Plus ($20/month)
- Cursor, Premium ($30/month)
- GitHub Copilot, Copilot Pro+ ($39/month)
- Codex, Plus ($20/month)
Qwen Studio at chat.qwen.ai, and select Qwen3.8-Max with search enabled.
Trains on chats
Yes on personal Free, Plus, and Pro. Improve the model for everyone is on by default. Settings, Data controls, turn off Improve the model for everyone.
Not checked yet.
Released
Before our release log began.
Before our release log began.
Try both with the same prompt
GPT-5.6 Sol
Research this question. Name each source you used, and say what it does not answer.
Qwen3.8-Max
Research this topic thoroughly and cite each source used.
Want a sharper prompt? Build one for either model.
Ranking history
- Nov 12, 2026. Qwen3.8-Max overtook GPT-5.6 Sol. LMArena Search 1260.
- Oct 25, 2026. GPT-5.6 Sol is the first leader on record. LMArena Search 1261.
Questions
Is GPT-5.6 Sol or Qwen3.8-Max better for research & web search?
Qwen3.8-Max ranks ahead for research & web search on LMArena Search. GPT-5.6 Sol is the alternative pick (1258); Qwen3.8-Max is the #1 pick (1260).
Which is cheaper, GPT-5.6 Sol or Qwen3.8-Max?
GPT-5.6 Sol: Uses a ChatGPT plan. Check the plan page for the current price. Qwen3.8-Max: Free on the web interface, with paid API pricing per token.
Can I use GPT-5.6 Sol or Qwen3.8-Max for free?
GPT-5.6 Sol: A free plan may include limited search. Qwen3.8-Max: A free plan is available on the web with usage limits.
Which is more private, GPT-5.6 Sol or Qwen3.8-Max?
GPT-5.6 Sol (OpenAI): Yes on personal Free, Plus, and Pro. Improve the model for everyone is on by default. Qwen3.8-Max (Alibaba): Privacy default not checked.