October 2026 AI Benchmarks: What They Mean for a Solo Business
October 2026 frontier model numbers are out. Here is a snapshot of three models on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, checked October 13, 2026.
Claude Opus 5.5 (Max, Default Fallback) scores 58. GPT-6.1 Sol (Max) scores 52. Grok 4.7 (Xhigh) scores 46.
GPT-6.1 Sol stands out for value: its average cost is $0.72 per Intelligence Index task. That is a measured benchmark cost, not a fixed price for every business task. Actual costs depend on the work, settings, and tools used.
The gap between these models is real. But the bigger story for a solo operator is what capable, affordable tools make possible. In my view, they give one person a chance to do work that once took a department.
A benchmark is a starting point. Test the model on your own work. Look at the quality of the result, the time saved, and the full cost.
— David Austreng
Sources · Checked October 13, 2026
Artificial Analysis: Claude Opus 5.5
https://artificialanalysis.ai/models/releases/claude-opus-5-5
Artificial Analysis: GPT-6.1 Sol
https://artificialanalysis.ai/models/gpt-6-1-sol
Artificial Analysis: Grok 4.7
