Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2: The Ultimate Performance & Pricing Comparison

Deep dive into reasoning, benchmarks, and latency insights.

The Final Verdict in the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 Showdown

After a comprehensive analysis, Qwen3 Max Thinking emerges as the superior choice for users prioritizing raw intelligence and reasoning. However, Kimi K2 remains a highly competitive option, especially for scenarios demanding faster response times and cost-efficiency. This detailed Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 comparison will break down every critical metric to help you make the best decision.

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Model Snapshot

Key decision metrics at a glance.

Qwen3 Max Thinking

Other

Reasoning: 6
Coding: 3
Multimodal: 3
Long Context: 5
Blended Price / 1M tokens: $0.002
P95 Latency: 1000ms
Tokens per second: 40.912tokens/sec

Kimi K2

Other

Reasoning: 6
Coding: 2
Multimodal: 2
Long Context: 3
Blended Price / 1M tokens: $0.001
P95 Latency: 1000ms
Tokens per second: 41.952tokens/sec

Overall Capabilities

The capability radar provides a holistic view of the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 matchup. This chart illustrates each model's strengths and weaknesses at a glance, forming a cornerstone of our Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 analysis.

This radar chart visually maps the core capabilities (reasoning, coding, math proxy, multimodal, long context) of `Qwen3 Max Thinking` vs `Kimi K2`.

Benchmark Breakdown

For a granular look, this chart directly compares scores across standardized benchmarks. In the critical MMLU Pro test, a key part of the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 debate, Qwen3 Max Thinking scores 60 against Kimi K2's 60. This data-driven approach is essential for any serious Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 comparison.

This grouped bar chart provides a side-by-side comparison for each benchmark metric.

Speed & Latency

Speed is a crucial factor in the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 decision for interactive applications. The metrics below highlight the trade-offs you should weigh before shipping to production.

Time to First Token

Qwen3 Max Thinking300ms

Kimi K2300ms

Tokens per Second

Qwen3 Max Thinking40.912

Kimi K241.952

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The Economics of Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2

Power is only one part of the equation. This Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 pricing analysis gives you a true sense of value.

Pricing Breakdown

Compare input and output pricing at a glance.

Real-World Cost Scenario

To process 1M input tokens and generate 250k output tokens, Qwen3 Max Thinking would cost $0.003, whereas Kimi K2 would cost $0.001. This practical calculation is vital for any developer considering the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 choice.

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Which Model Wins the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 Battle for You?

Choose Qwen3 Max Thinking if...

Cost is a secondary concern to power in your Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 decision.

You need the most advanced reasoning capabilities available.

Your use case demands cutting-edge AI performance.

Choose Kimi K2 if...

You need a highly responsive model for user-facing applications.

Your budget is a primary consideration in the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 choice.

You are developing at scale where operational costs are critical.

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Your Questions about the Qwen3 Max Thinking vs Kimi K2 Comparison

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Data source: https://artificialanalysis.ai/