Looking for an honest OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo vs Meta Llama 3.1 405B comparison in 2026? We scored both ai language models on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Meta Llama 3.1 405B comes out ahead 41/100 to 62/100 — a 21-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo pulls noticeably ahead.
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Meta Llama 3.1 405B clearly outperforms the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ai language models category, especially in performance, scoring 62 vs 41. If you want the better overall ai language models, Meta Llama 3.1 405B is the recommended choice.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | GPT-3.5 Turbo | 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $0.50/1M | ✓Free/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $1.50/1M | ✓Free/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | ✓ Free |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | GPT-3.5 Turbo | 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 4,096 tok | 4,096 tok |
| Speed | ✓400 tok/s | 30 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | ✓100ms | 1.5s |
| Languages | ✓50+ | 8+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
GPT-3.5 Turbo
3.1 405B
GPT-3.5 Turbo
3.1 405B
GPT-3.5 Turbo
3.1 405B
GPT-3.5 Turbo
3.1 405B
GPT-3.5 Turbo
3.1 405B
| Feature | GPT-3.5 Turbo | 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning / Chain-of-Thought | ✕ | ✕ |
| Vision (Image Input) | ✕ | ✕ |
| Audio Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Video Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Image/Audio Output | ✕ | ✕ |
| Function Calling / Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| JSON Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time Web Access | ✕ | ✕ |
| Fine-tuning Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✕ | ✓ |
| Field | GPT-3.5 Turbo | 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | Meta |
| Parameters | — | 405B |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2021-09 | 2023-12 |
| License | Commercial | Llama 3.1 Community |
| Best For | legacysimple taskshigh volumecost efficiency | open sourceself hostingfine tuningenterprise privacy |
Buy OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo if…
The OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Meta Llama 3.1 405B if…
Buy the Meta Llama 3.1 405B if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Meta Llama 3.1 405B clearly outperforms the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ai language models category, especially in performance, scoring 62 vs 41. If you want the better overall ai language models, Meta Llama 3.1 405B is the recommended choice.
No, Meta Llama 3.1 405B scores higher (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
The OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Meta Llama 3.1 405B if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the ai language modelscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.