Claude 3 Opus vs Codex Mini
Claude 3 Opus vs Codex Mini: Codex Mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.50/M vs $15.00/M input tokens), while Claude 3 Opus is better for long-context tasks (200,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Codex Mini for lower token spend and choose Claude 3 Opus when your workload needs longer context.
Compare input and output token pricing, context windows, and monthly cost estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Claude 3 Opus
Codex Mini
Cost Differences
Codex Mini costs less than Claude 3 Opus
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Codex Mini. At the default workload, Codex Mini saves about $144.00/month ($1,752.00/year) versus Claude 3 Opus.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Claude 3 Opus | Codex Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Anthropic | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $15.00/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $75.00/1M tokens | $6.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 200,000 tokens | 200,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 4,096 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | flagship | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoning | textcodereasoning |
| Release Date | 3/4/2024 | 2/2/2026 |
Claude 3 Opus vs Codex Mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Claude 3 Opus and Codex Mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Codex Mini is the more affordable option at $1.50/1M input tokens — 90% cheaper than Claude 3 Opus.
These models come from different providers — Anthropic and OpenAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Anthropic, switching to OpenAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Claude 3 Opus is a flagship model while Codex Mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Claude 3 Opus is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while Codex Mini offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Claude 3 Opus charges $75.00/1M output tokens vs $6.00 for Codex Mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Codex Mini has the edge here at $6.00/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Claude 3 Opus supports vision (image inputs) while Codex Mini is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Claude 3 Opus when:
- • You're already using Anthropic's API ecosystem
Choose Codex Mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Claude 3 Opus
- • Input pricing: $15.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $75.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 4,096 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Codex Mini
- • Higher output cost than Codex Mini
Codex Mini
- • Input pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $6.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Claude 3 Opus (Anthropic)
Codex Mini (OpenAI)
Start using Claude 3 Opus today
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Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Claude 3 Opus or Codex Mini?▼
What is the context window difference between Claude 3 Opus and Codex Mini?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Anthropic and OpenAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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