StepFun vs Thinking Machines
Verdict
- Their flagships are level: Step 3.5 Flash 55.0 vs Inkling Small 55.0.
- StepFun has the better model in 1 of 4 price bands.
- StepFun's fastest ranked model (Step 3.5 Flash, 216 tok/s) beats Thinking Machines's (Inkling Small, 133 tok/s).
- StepFun publishes more open-weights models (3 vs 1).
Best model per price band
Each provider’s highest-index model below the price ceiling. Purple marks the winner of the band.
| Price band | StepFun | Thinking Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Under $0.50/M | Step 3.5 Flash 55.0$0.150/M | – |
| Under $2/M | Step 3.5 Flash 55.0$0.150/M | Inkling Small 55.0$0.638/M |
| Under $10/M | Step 3.5 Flash 55.0$0.150/M | Inkling Small 55.0$0.638/M |
| Any price | Step 3.5 Flash 55.0$0.150/M | Inkling Small 55.0$0.638/M |
Line-up
| Metric | StepFun | Thinking Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship index | 55.0 | 55.0 |
| Ranked models | 4 | 1 |
| Open-weights models | 3 | 1 |
| Cheapest ranked, $/M | $0.150 | $0.638 |
| Fastest ranked, tok/s | 216 | 133 |
| Release cadence, days | 406 | – |
| Last release | 29 May 2026 | – |
| Next expected | 27 Jan 2027 – 18 Dec 2027 | – |
Data as of 10 Sept 2026. See StepFun and Thinking Machines in full.