There isn’t a single objectively “best” LLM — it depends on what you mean by best.

Common ways to judge:

- **Best overall quality:** frontier models like **GPT-4-class**, **Claude-class**, and **Gemini-class** models are usually in the top tier.
- **Best for coding:** often **GPT-4.x / GPT-4o-class**, **Claude 3.5/3.7 Sonnet-class**, and some specialized coding models.
- **Best open-source:** models like **Llama 3-class**, **Qwen-class**, **Mistral-class**, and **DeepSeek-class** are strong contenders.
- **Best cheap/performance value:** smaller distilled models or efficient open models often win here.
- **Best for local use/privacy:** open-weight models you can run yourself are best.
- **Best for long context:** some Claude-, Gemini-, and select open-source models are especially strong.

A practical shortlist:

- **For general use:** GPT-4-class or Claude-class
- **For coding:** Claude Sonnet-class or GPT-4-class
- **For local/open-source:** Qwen, Llama, Mistral, DeepSeek
- **For budget:** smaller open models or mini versions of frontier models

If you want, I can give you:
1. the **best LLM for coding**,  
2. the **best free/open-source LLM**, or  
3. the **best LLM for your specific use case**.
