Everyday AI, Upgraded: Which OpenAI Model to Use and When?

As AI continues to integrate into daily workflows, the question is no longer whether to use AI, but which model to use for optimal results. OpenAI Model’s evolving ecosystem now includes highly specialized tools like GPT-4o (its fastest and most multimodal model), GPT-4.5 for pro users requiring advanced capabilities, and Sora, a next-generation video generation model. Each is designed with distinct strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases.

Yet with this growing versatility comes complexity. What was once a single-model solution has become a tiered and nuanced platform. Choosing the right tool for rapid prototyping, real-time conversation, large-scale data analysis, software development, or creative content production can mean the difference between mediocre output and breakthrough performance.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of OpenAI’s full lineup, with expert recommendations on when and why to use each model. Let’s demystify it.

GPT-4o: The new everyday standard 

The latest OpenAI model, GPT-4o, is now the default for most users. It serves as the go-to tool for students and professionals needing quick, natural responses. “O” stands for “omni,” highlighting its multimodal abilities. GPT-4o can read images, listen to audio, and generate text at impressive speed. Fast, human-like, and free for most users, it’s ideal for everyday writing and light coding. If you want instant, natural AI support across a range of basic and creative tasks, GPT-4o is your go-to. 

GPT-4.5: Deeper logic for technical users 

GPT-4.5 is designed for those who need more than just speed. It’s for technical professionals, researchers, coders, and advanced users who value accuracy and logical reasoning above all. Building on the features of GPT-4o, GPT-4.5 can handle complex code, deep research, and longer documents with greater memory and precision. While it’s a bit slower, it delivers better results on technical or logic-heavy work. This model is best for developers, data scientists, researchers, or anyone with a paid plan who wants to push the limits of what an AI can do. 

GPT-4o mini and o4-mini-high: Speed for support and automation 

If you need instant answers at scale, think chatbots, customer service, or automated assistants, GPT-4o mini and o4-mini-high are made for you. These lighter OpenAI models offer much of the intelligence of GPT-4o, but with a stronger focus on speed and efficiency, making them perfect for businesses running high-traffic support channels, app developers, or anyone who needs a friendly, fast AI for repetitive or straightforward questions. These are the models behind most website chatbots and quick-reply tools, serving both businesses and consumers who want information now. 

o3: Affordable reliability for simple needs 

While not as advanced as the newest models, o3 is a reliable option for those who prioritise cost over cutting-edge capability. It’s still used by businesses and organisations for FAQs, internal tools, and early-stage projects where high-level creativity or deep reasoning is less important. If your needs are basic and budget is a key concern, such as setting up automated replies, testing ideas, or supporting simple apps, O3 is a dependable choice for both startups and established brands. 

o1 (Pro): Customisation and scale for business 

o1, the pro-tier OpenAI model, is built for enterprises and developers who require full control, customisation, and scalability. This model is rarely used by everyday consumers, but it’s a powerhouse for businesses looking to build advanced AI into their products, analyse large datasets, or create tailored solutions that require privacy, compliance, or integration with existing systems. If you’re running large, mission-critical applications or want to create your own AI-powered tools, o1 is the professional choice. 

Sora: The start of AI-powered video creation 

For those ready to explore the future, Sora is OpenAI’s first video model, capable of generating short video clips from text prompts. While Sora is still in limited release, it signals the beginning of a new multimodal era, where AI doesn’t just write or code but can also “see” and “show.” Sora will soon be invaluable for marketers, content creators, educators, and anyone who wants to turn ideas into visuals at the click of a button. As access expands, expect to see Sora at the heart of the next wave of creative and educational tools. 

Codex: OpenAI’s specialist for code 

Before GPT-4o and GPT-4.5, Codex was OpenAI’s go-to model for code generation, powering tools like GitHub Copilot and early ChatGPT coding features. Codex is trained on vast amounts of public code and can write, explain, and debug code in dozens of languages. While the latest GPT-4 models have absorbed most of Codex’s abilities and now handle even more complex programming tasks, Codex is still referenced in developer circles and remains the backbone of many specialised coding assistants. If your focus is pure programming, Codex (or GPT-4.5 with advanced coding prompts) will give you clear, efficient, and reliable results for both beginners and professionals. 

Plugins and integrations: extending OpenAI with Canva and more 

OpenAI’s models have become even more versatile thanks to plugins and third-party integrations. Plugins let ChatGPT and similar tools interact with other web services, retrieving live data, creating visuals, booking reservations, and more. The Canva plugin, for example, allows users to design graphics through ChatGPT, bridging the gap between text and visual content. You can ask ChatGPT to create a presentation or infographic in Canva, then instantly open the editable design in your Canva account. Other popular plugins connect to Wolfram Alpha, Expedia, Zapier, and code repositories, turning OpenAI into a productivity, creativity, and research hub. These integrations are available to Plus and enterprise users and keep expanding as the OpenAI ecosystem grows. 

Distilled 

OpenAI models are now part of daily life, assisting in writing, coding, and solving problems more easily. With every new model and integration, AI becomes more flexible and accessible for anyone to experiment with and achieve more. As technology evolves, the future is open for everyone to create and innovate with AI.