Recognizing that all models represent simplifications of reality, we suggest that the polio modeling performed during the past 20 years offered insights on many different aspects of the polio endgame that supported GPEI-partner deliberations and decisions. Although the models developed by independent groups took different approaches, they generally offered similar insights and recommendations. Notably, we found relatively few conflicts between the recommendations made by the modeling groups in the published literature, although the differences in recommendations about some vaccination strategies were substantial (e.g. initial recommendations about tOPV pSIAs in the run-up to OPV2 cessation, IPV use in oSIAs). The review suggests that some of the differences in recommendations may reflect different approaches and use of data. Both KRI and IDM developed comprehensive dynamic transmission model platforms, which they designed, adopted, and applied for use in addressing different questions. The broad and deep nature of polio dynamic transmission models led to the inclusion of significant complexity, which matches the human experience with polio: it is complicated. Notably, the large and multi-component KRI and IDM models required significant time to develop and require a time investment to fully understand. In general, model platforms can offer the advantages of internal consistency and consistency with all of the available evidence, to the extent that they are well calibrated and consider all of the evidence.