"What's the best model for Cline?" is the wrong question. The right question: Which model best matches YOUR specific tasks? Here's how to choose models based on what actually matters:

Benchmark scores don't tell the whole story. A model that excels at coding benchmarks might fail at MCP tool usage. Real-world effectiveness depends on: - Tool integration requirements - Your specific workflows - Context management needs

Speed vs sophistication trade-off: Fast models (lite/nano/flash): - 100+ tokens/second - Great for iteration - Quick fixes Flagship models: - 20-50 tokens/second - Complex reasoning - Architecture decisions Match speed to your workflow needs.

Context windows matter for different tasks: Small (8K-32K): - Bug fixes - Single file edits Medium (32K-256K): - Feature development - Multi-file refactoring Large (256K+): - Codebase exploration - System architecture Cline shows your usage in real-time.

Task-driven selection framework: 1. Define your priorities (speed/cost/quality) 2. Test models on YOUR actual tasks 3. Save preferences per work type 4. Switch models based on requirements The flexibility to switch is your superpower.