Model comparison
Compare Claude Fable 5 and Claude Sonnet 5 using the same provider-sourced text & reasoning rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 14, 2026
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example: 6,000 input tokens for 10 pages, plus a 500-token summary. Page lengths vary; adjust the numbers below.
One run sends your input to the model once and receives an answer. Tokens are pieces of text: input is what you send, output is the answer you receive.
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Sonnet 5Anthropic | Anthropic | $0.017 |
| Claude Fable 5Anthropic | Anthropic | $0.085 |
Quick take
The original Fable model for complex coding and multi-step work, retained for existing integrations.
Check the newer Fable 5.1 and the mandatory retention requirements before starting a new project.
A lower-priced Claude option for everyday coding, writing and tool-assisted work.
Migration from older Sonnet versions needs testing: thinking settings and tokenization have changed.
Compare the published facts
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Text & reasoning | Claude Fable 5 | Claude Sonnet 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Context windowMaximum combined prompt and working context documented by the provider. | 1M tokens | 1M tokens |
| Maximum outputProvider-published response limit, where available. | 128K tokens | 128K tokens |
| Knowledge cutoffLatest reliable knowledge date explicitly published by the model provider. Search and connected tools can retrieve newer information but do not change the model's built-in cutoff. | January 2026 | January 2026 |
| Input priceCurrent standard list price per million input tokens unless noted. | $10 / 1M | $2 / 1M |
| Output priceCurrent standard list price per million output tokens unless noted. | $50 / 1M | $10 / 1M |
| InputsMedia types accepted by the listed model endpoint. | Text, image | Text, image |
| Tools & agentsSelected native tools and agent-building capabilities, not an exhaustive list. | Tool use, agents, vision, coding workflows | Tool use, agents, vision, coding workflows |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
Claude Fable 5 requires 30-day retention unless Anthropic authorizes an exception. API data is not used for training without express permission.
Provider and API links
Anthropic does not train on API data without express permission. Retention depends on the API feature, account agreement and cloud provider.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
Claude Fable 5: The original Fable model for complex coding and multi-step work, retained for existing integrations. Claude Sonnet 5: A lower-priced Claude option for everyday coding, writing and tool-assisted work.
Consider Claude Fable 5 when your priority is Complex coding. Consider Claude Sonnet 5 when your priority is Coding assistants. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Text & reasoning category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.
