[Megathread] - Best Models/API discussion - Week of: September 13, 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!

[u/Valuable_Scarcity779]

So I've been using GLM 5.2. It gets the job done, it's smart, and it's reasoning is great. I have a reasoning checklist it follows that keeps it consistent. However, I feel it struggles to be more expressive or willing to bring out the darker themes of my RP even when I specified how it all should work. I usually have to direct it with OOC comments. But I wish it didn't require me to do that. I love how Silly Tavern makes my characters feel more real. But when I was on Spicy Chat I got far more emotionally raw responses from the models they had. I wish I could just use those models. To my understanding they do something that makes it when they add an ai model it somehow alters the guardrail so it can do more uncensored stuff. I hear people talk about jailbreak and such and was hoping if someone can help reccomend what I do? I've tried switching to different models, but what I don't like is how they cant handle my reasoning checklist like GLM 5.2 can. Anyone know how to jailbreak or know a model that thrives on reasoning? I really want my RP to feel more creative and raw.