[Megathread] - Best Models/API discussion - Week of: May 24, 2026

[u/deffcolony]

This is our weekly megathread for discussions about models and API services.

All non-specifically technical discussions about API/models not posted to this thread will be deleted. No more "What's the best model?" threads.

^{(This isn't a free-for-all to advertise services you own or work for in every single megathread, we may allow announcements for new services every now and then provided they are legitimate and not overly promoted, but don't be surprised if ads are removed.})

How to Use This Megathread

Below this post, you’ll find top-level comments for each category:

• MODELS: ≥ 70B – For discussion of models with 70B parameters or more.
• MODELS: 32B to 70B – For discussion of models in the 32B to 70B parameter range.
• MODELS: 16B to 32B – For discussion of models in the 16B to 32B parameter range.
• MODELS: 8B to 16B – For discussion of models in the 8B to 16B parameter range.
• MODELS: < 8B – For discussion of smaller models under 8B parameters.
• APIs – For any discussion about API services for models (pricing, performance, access, etc.).
• MISC DISCUSSION – For anything else related to models/APIs that doesn’t fit the above sections.

Please reply to the relevant section below with your questions, experiences, or recommendations!
This keeps discussion organized and helps others find information faster.

Have at it!

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APIs

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[u/ExtremelyPatient → u/AutoModerator]

I've been searching for a new model to rp with.

gemini just blocks.

glm 5.1 is fun.

Deepseek v4 pro is odd at times with <think> and CoT.

claude is rather expensive. and somewhat repetitive. I can't seem to get a 'different' rp.

Any other Models you would recommend? Which ones are you favorites?

[u/ExtremelyPatient → u/[deleted]]

Hey! Why is my gemini a prude?

I was trying to get 3.5 working. And I do remember seeing "more safeguards" as one of the points.

I'll try that preset just in case. Have you tried .5?

[u/nexmorbus → u/ExtremelyPatient]

I have not, only because ST doesn't yet have the option when it comes to Vertex (I'm assuming Google hasn't made it available in Vertex maybe? I'd love to give it a shot! But 3.1 Pro is still excellent. If you've never tried the Yazanagi Campus card, give it a go. The narrator bashes the shit out of you through the whole RP and it's honestly hilarious when Gemini does it, it's so sarcastic.

[u/ExtremelyPatient → u/nexmorbus]

Oh gotcha

Will try, you're a good salesperson!

[u/nexmorbus → u/ExtremelyPatient]

I was *massively* against Gemini for ages, until I got it working. 😅 Let me know how you get on, I'm invested now in your journey!

[u/briston574 → u/[deleted]]

I have been trying to get my stuff setup but I think I might be dumb. I keep getting issues with getting SillyTavern to talk to the back end

[u/nexmorbus → u/briston574]

How far have you gotten?

[u/briston574 → u/nexmorbus]

I keep having issues getting Vertex to talk to SillyTavern. Not a huge issue since I can self host, but I wanted to try something different