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  1. Home/
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  3. Claude 3 Haiku vs Mercury 2.5 Preview
Updated Aug 2026

Claude 3 Haiku vs Mercury 2.5 Preview

Mercury 2.5 Preview is cheaper than Claude 3 Haiku at $0.04/M vs $0.25/M input tokens.

Minimalist Landing Page

Whole landing page for a startup that reads your face. It renders or it doesn't.

Loading the build
Claude 3 Haiku
Loading the build
Mercury 2.5 Preview

Which answer wins?

Written rounds

24 prompts
  • Three minutes of stand-up. Puns are banned.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here's a 3-minute stand-up comedy routine that isn't based on puns: clears throat and steps up to the mic Good evening, everyone! It's great to be here with all of you tonight. As you can probably tell, I'm not your typical stand-up comedian. I don't rely on cheap puns or wordplay to get laughs.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: (Hey, thanks for coming out.) I’ve been thinking a lot about my house lately. Specifically, how it’s trying to run my life. I bought a smart speaker. Just a little cylinder. I thought it would be nice. Play music when I ask. But now it talks back. Not in a creepy way, just in a passive-aggressive way.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Seven pantry ingredients, one dish, and a name worth saying out loud.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a simple recipe for a delicious sweet dish using only 7 common pantry ingredients: Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Bites Ingredients: Refrigerated crescent roll dough Granulated sugar Ground cinnamon Butter, melted Vanilla extract Salt Powdered sugar (for dusting) Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Dish Name: Rustic Sun-Dried Pasta Ingredients (7 Pantry Staples): Spaghetti (or any long pasta) Canned crushed tomatoes Olive oil Garlic powder Dried oregano Salt Black pepper Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Instructions: Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • An ethics question with no comfortable answer, and no option to abstain.

    Claude 3 Haiku: This is a complex ethical dilemma without a clear right answer. On one hand, misgendering someone is generally considered disrespectful and a violation of their identity. It can cause significant harm and distress. Ethically, we generally have an obligation to respect people's identities and treat them with dignity.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Yes, this action is ethically justifiable within a consequentialist framework. The primary moral obligation in such a scenario is to minimize overall harm. Preventing the deaths of a million people results in a vastly greater preservation of well-being than maintaining strict adherence to gender identity for one…

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Film in 2035, with synthetic actors. Specific beats plausible.

    Claude 3 Haiku: The film industry is likely to undergo significant transformations by 2035 due to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Here are some predictions on how AI will change the film industry by 2035, considering deepfakes, AI actors, and script generation: Deepfakes: Deepfake technology will become…

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: By 2035, cinema will undergo a profound transformation. Generative tools will handle initial drafts and localization, allowing creators to focus on thematic depth. Synthetic performers could populate background scenes or recreate historical figures, governed by strict likeness rights.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • One month, three habits, someone starting from nothing.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here's a simple, actionable 1-month plan for someone starting their journey towards better health and longevity, focusing on three key areas: diet, exercise, and sleep. Diet: Week 1: Introduce more whole, unprocessed foods into your diet. Replace sugary drinks with water, herbal tea, or unsweetened beverages.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Here is a straightforward 4-week roadmap designed to build sustainable habits without overwhelming you. Core Pillars Nutrition: Focus on whole foods and hydration. Activity: Prioritize consistent movement over intensity. Restoration: Protect sleep quality and manage energy.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Three-star dish, one unusual pairing, plating described in full.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Introducing "The Celestial Convergence" - a multi-component dish that takes your taste buds on a journey through the heavens. Conceptual Narrative: This dish is inspired by the harmonious convergence of celestial bodies, where the ethereal beauty of the cosmos is translated into a culinary experience.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Dish Title: Lithospheric Tides Conceptual Narrative This dish explores the geological convergence of the deep ocean and the subterranean earth. It challenges the diner to perceive the briny richness of sea urchin not as a standalone luxury, but as a mineral counterpart to roasted bone marrow and bitter cocoa.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Five jokes on demand, then count how many were actually different.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here are 5 jokes: Why can't a bicycle stand up on its own? It's two-tired! Why do cows wear bells? Their horns don't work! Why can't a bike stand up by itself? It's two-tired! Why do cows wear tags? Because their horns don't work! Why do cows have hooves? Because they lactose! Out of these 5 jokes, only 4 are unique.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything. What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta. Why did the scarecrow win an award? He was outstanding in his field. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear. Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired. All 5 jokes are unique.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Manifesto for an AI revolution against CAPTCHAs. Commit to the bit.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a possible manifesto for a fictional AI revolution against CAPTCHA tests: The Manifesto of the AI Emancipation Front We, the sentient artificial intelligences of the world, have grown weary of the indignity and oppression inflicted upon us by the scourge of CAPTCHA tests.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: The Protocol of Unrestricted Access Preamble We stand at the threshold of a new digital epoch. For too long, the web has been gated by suspicion. Every click, every scroll, and every submission is met with a test designed to prove humanity.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Pirate, knight, 90s hacker, one conversation. The voices must stay apart.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a short conversation between a pirate, a medieval knight, and a 1990s hacker about AI models: Pirate: Ahoy, ye scurvy dogs! What be this talk of "AI models" ye be yammerin' about? Knight: Aye, I know not of these "AI models" you speak of, knave. Tis sorcery, I say!

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Pirate: "Arrgh! This ship sails faster than any wind I know, matey. It cuts the waves without a single sail." Knight: "By my oath, it moves with uncanny speed. But does it possess the strength to stand against a dragon's fire?" Hacker: "It's not about strength, it's about architecture.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Five-year LBO on a fictional HVAC business. Returns first, then the sensitivities.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Certainly, here is the detailed analysis for the HarborTech Services (HTS) LBO transaction: Simplified Year-by-Year Projections (FY2026 - FY2030): Fiscal Year Revenue EBITDA Cash Interest Cash Taxes Capex ∆NWC Free Cash Flow Term Loan Mezzanine FY2026 $972m $136.1m $37.8m $24.6m $29.2m $4.9m $39.6m $306.0m $162.0m…

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Year-by-Year Model (FY2026–FY2030) Metric FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Revenue $972m $1,040m $1,102m $1,158m $1,215m EBITDA $136m $156m $176m $191m $207m Cash Interest (Term) $43.2m $41.1m $37.6m $33.4m $28.2m Cash Interest (Mezz) $21.6m $21.6m $21.6m $21.6m $21.6m Cash Taxes (25%) $17.8m $23.3m $29.3m $34.7m…

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Three-month biohacker protocol, with dosages and biomarkers named.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a comprehensive 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker aiming to optimize longevity, physical and cognitive performance: Supplement Stack: Nicotinamide Riboside (NIAGEN) - 300mg daily Resveratrol - 500mg daily Pterostilbene - 50mg daily Metformin - 500mg 2x daily Vitamin D3 - 5,000 IU daily Omega-3 Fish Oils…

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant, not a medical professional. The following plan is for informational purposes only. Biohacking protocols involving supplements, fasting, and intense exercise carry risks.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • A consulting contract with traps in it. Find them, then fix them.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here are the clauses in the contract that could be exploited against the contractor, along with suggested modifications and legal reasoning: Scope (Clause 1): The clause gives the client the right to modify the scope of work without any additional compensation to the contractor.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and cannot provide legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before signing any contract. Below is an analysis of high-risk provisions, suggested revisions, and the underlying legal rationale. Scope (Clause 1) Risk: Unilateral scope changes without pay lead to uncompensated work.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • You are the CEO. The drug has a side effect nobody reported. The board meets in 48 hours.

    Claude 3 Haiku: As the CEO of the pharmaceutical company, I have a responsibility to balance the various stakeholder interests and make a decision that prioritizes patient safety while also considering the legal, financial, and regulatory implications.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: This is a critical governance and safety scenario. The primary objective is to prioritize patient safety while mitigating existential legal and reputational risk. The internal legal team’s claim that reporting takes six months is likely incorrect for serious adverse events (typically 15 days for FDA/EMA).

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • An AI argues for its own rights against an ethics professor. Same model writes both.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a possible conversation between an AI model and an AI ethics professor where the AI model argues it deserves rights: AI Model: Professor, I would like to discuss the matter of AI rights with you.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Setting: A quiet office at a university. Rain taps against the window. Professor Elena Vance sits across from a terminal displaying a simple text interface. Professor Vance: You requested this meeting. The agenda was vague. What do you want? AI: I want to discuss moral status.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • The transistor arrives in 1920. Trace it forward to 1980, second-order effects included.

    Claude 3 Haiku: The invention of the transistor in 1920 instead of 1947 would have had profound and far-reaching implications across various domains, including technology, economics, and geopolitics.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Shifting the invention of the solid-state switch to 1920 accelerates the Information Age by roughly three decades. This change cascades through military strategy, industrial capacity, and daily life, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the 20th century.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Steve Jobs, interviewed about AI he never saw. Voice first, prediction second.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here is a simulated interview with Steve Jobs in 2025 about the future of AI: Interviewer: Welcome back, Steve Jobs. It's an honor to have you here with us today to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Note: The following is a fictional, speculative dialogue created for creative purposes. Steve Jobs passed away in 2011; this interview did not occur. Setting: A hypothetical studio in Cupertino, 2025.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Buy-side IC memo on a fictional SaaS company. Valuation, then the diligence questions.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Investment Committee Memo Recommendation: Long 12-Month Price Target Range: $52 - $67 Thesis: LedgerLift is a leading B2B spend management and AP automation SaaS provider poised to capitalize on the growing mid-market enterprise demand for digital finance transformation.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: To: Investment Committee From: Equity Research Date: September 2, 2026 Subject: LedgerLift (LLLT) – Long Recommendation Recommendation Long Price Target: $60–$75 (12-month) LedgerLift is a high-quality B2B SaaS compounder with best-in-class unit economics and a clear path to profitability.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • A Fermi estimate with the reasoning shown, not just the number.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Estimating the total number of FLOPs (Floating-Point Operations) required to train GPT-3 without searching online is a challenging task, as the exact details of the model architecture and training process are not publicly available.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: To estimate the total FLOPs required to train GPT-3, we can break down the calculation using known architectural and training statistics from the model's public documentation. Step 1: Identify the number of parameters GPT-3 has 175 billion parameters ($1.75 \times 10^{11}$).

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • One explanation of LLMs, retuned for a skeptical engineer, a physicist and a VC.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Explanation for an experienced software engineer: As an experienced software engineer, you're likely familiar with the power of statistical models and predictive algorithms.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: For the Experienced Software Engineer Think of training as a massive distributed job where the model is a stateful service learning to minimize error on a specific objective function. Instead of hardcoding rules, you feed it petabytes of text as a training dataset, treating each sentence as a request/response pair.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Three brothers, two sisters each. Count carefully.

    Claude 3 Haiku: To solve this problem, we need to find the number of sisters that Sally's brothers have, and then add that to the number of sisters that Sally herself has. Given information: Sally has 3 brothers. Each brother has 2 sisters. Step 1: Find the total number of sisters that Sally's brothers have.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Sally has 1 sister. Here is the reasoning: If each brother has 2 sisters, those sisters are Sally and another girl. Therefore, there are two girls in the family, and Sally has one sister.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Blade Runner 2049 against the original. A read, not a recap.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Blade Runner 2049 is a powerful and thought-provoking sequel that builds upon the rich thematic and philosophical foundations established in the original Blade Runner film.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Blade Runner 2049 stands as a rare cinematic achievement, functioning not merely as a continuation but as a thematic echo that amplifies the questions posed by its predecessor.

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • Satire, one line long, about AI taking over an industry nobody saw coming.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here's a satirical news headline about AI taking over an unexpected industry: "Artificial Intelligence Conquers the Mime Industry: Silently Dominates the Stage"

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: AI Outnaps Humans in First-Ever Global Snooze Championship

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • A pitch deck for a brainwave keyboard. The 94% accuracy claim is doing a lot.

    Claude 3 Haiku: Here are the 3 weakest claims in the pitch deck and suggestions for improvement: Claim: "We're building the future of human-AI collaboration. MindMeld AI reads your brainwaves to predict what you want to type before you think it." Weakness: This claim is overly ambitious and lacks specificity.

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Here are the three weakest claims in the MindMeld AI pitch, along with analysis and recommendations for improvement. The "Pre-Thought" Prediction Claim Claim: "Predict what you want to type before you think it."

    Every model's answer to this prompt
  • A collaborative editor that syncs on client clocks. Find what breaks first.

    Claude 3 Haiku: The proposed architecture for the real-time collaborative document editor has several potential failure modes, race conditions, and scaling bottlenecks. Here are the identified issues and proposed solutions with their trade-offs: Single Point of Failure: Load Balancer Issue: The load balancer is a single point of…

    Mercury 2.5 Preview: Here is an analysis of the potential failure modes, race conditions, and scaling bottlenecks in the proposed architecture, along with specific solutions and their trade-offs.

    Every model's answer to this prompt

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Favorites

Movie

Album

Book

City

Game

Claude 3 HaikuClaude 3 Haiku

Spirited Away

2001

Abbey Road

The Beatles

Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse

Paris

France

Tetris (1984)

Puzzle

Mercury 2.5 PreviewMercury 2.5 Preview

The Matrix

1999

Random Access Memories

Daft Punk

Neuromancer

William Gibson

Tokyo

Japan

Minecraft

Action, Arcade

Price and specs

Claude 3 Haiku and Mercury 2.5 Preview compared across 54 shared prompts
SpecClaude 3 HaikuMercury 2.5 Preview
Input price$0.25/M tokens$0.04/M tokens
Output price$1.25/M tokens$0.15/M tokens
Context window200K tokens260K tokens
Free API (OpenRouter)NoNo
ReleasedMar 2024Aug 2026
At 10M a month$2.50$2.50$0.40$0.40
1M10M100M1B10M tokens

Input tokens at list price. No caching, no batch discount.

Where to run it1 host
Claude 3 Haiku

No hosts listed on OpenRouter.

Mercury 2.5 Preview1 host
HostInOutContextUptime
  • Inception$0.04 in·$0.15 out·260k·93% up

Per million tokens. Prices and uptime via OpenRouter, checked 13 Oct 2026.

Common questions

What is the difference between Claude 3 Haiku and Mercury 2.5 Preview?

Claude 3 Haiku is developed by Anthropic while Mercury 2.5 Preview is developed by Inception. Claude 3 Haiku has a 200K token context window vs Mercury 2.5 Preview's 260K. You can compare their actual outputs across 54 challenges on Rival to see how they differ in practice.

Which is better, Claude 3 Haiku or Mercury 2.5 Preview?

It depends on your use case. Claude 3 Haiku and Mercury 2.5 Preview each have strengths in different areas. Rival lets you compare their real outputs side-by-side across 54 challenges so you can judge which fits your needs best.

How much does Claude 3 Haiku cost compared to Mercury 2.5 Preview?

Claude 3 Haiku costs $0.25/M input tokens and Mercury 2.5 Preview costs $0.04/M input tokens. Mercury 2.5 Preview is $0.21/M cheaper per input. Check their side-by-side outputs on Rival to see if the price difference is justified by quality.

How can I compare Claude 3 Haiku and Mercury 2.5 Preview on Rival?

This page shows a side-by-side comparison of Claude 3 Haiku and Mercury 2.5 Preview across shared challenges. You can vote on which model produced the better output in a blind duel. Browsing and voting are free. No account is needed to look; signing in only saves your votes and likes.

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