Best LLMs for Writing in 2026
Aggregated benchmark data across EQ-Bench Creative Writing, LMArena Text, and Artificial Analysis — covering 25 models, updated weekly.
Last updated: · 25 models tracked · 3 tiers: Premium · Mid-Range · Budget
How we rank models for writing
This ranking combines three independent data sources to give the most complete picture of writing quality across frontier LLMs. No single benchmark captures the full picture — so we aggregate:
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- EQ Creative EQ-Bench Creative Writing — specialist benchmark using trained raters to assess narrative quality, emotional depth, prose style, and character voice. Elo scale ~1400–1940. The most relevant signal for marketing copy, long-form content, and creative work.
- Arena Text LMArena Text — crowd-sourced human preference leaderboard. Broad signal across all text tasks: a model that consistently wins votes is generally pleasant, clear, and useful to read. Elo scale ~1460–1510.
- EQ General EQ-Bench General — measures emotional intelligence in roleplay scenarios. A proxy for character voice quality and tonal control — useful for brand voice work. Note: high EQ-General does not automatically mean strong creative writing; interpret alongside EQ Creative.
- Speed Artificial Analysis — median output tokens per second across providers. Matters for iterative draft workflows where waiting costs time. ~75 tokens ≈ 55 words.
Prices are per 1M tokens (input / output) and reflect standard API pricing. A dash (—) means the model has not yet appeared on that leaderboard — never an estimated or interpolated value.
EVY uses this data automatically
Instead of picking one model and hoping it fits every task, EVY routes each writing request — brand copy, long-form content, quick social posts — to the model best suited for that specific job. You get top-tier output without managing a single API key.