Command R vs Magistral Small
Command R vs Magistral Small: Command R is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.15/M vs $0.50/M input tokens), while Command R is better for long-context tasks (128,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Command R for lower token spend and choose Command R 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)
Command R
Magistral Small
Cost Differences
Magistral Small costs more than Command R
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Command R. At the default workload, Command R saves about $2.40/month ($29.20/year) versus Magistral Small.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Command R | Magistral Small |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Cohere | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.15/1M tokens | $0.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.60/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 4,096 tokens | 16,384 tokens |
| Category | efficient | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textcode | textreasoning |
| Release Date | 3/11/2024 | 12/15/2025 |
Command R vs Magistral Small: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Command R and Magistral Small depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Command R is the more affordable option at $0.15/1M input tokens — 70% cheaper than Magistral Small.
These models come from different providers — Cohere and Mistral AI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Cohere, switching to Mistral AIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Command R is a efficient model while Magistral Small is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Magistral Small targets more demanding workloads, while Command R provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Command R charges $0.60/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Magistral Small. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Command R has the edge here at $0.60/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Command R when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using Cohere's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose Magistral Small when:
- • You need longer outputs (up to 16,384 tokens)
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Command R
- • Input pricing: $0.15/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.60/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 4,096 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Magistral Small
- • Input pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Command R
- • Higher output cost than Command R
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Command R (Cohere)
Magistral Small (Mistral AI)
Start using Command R today
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Command R or Magistral Small?▼
What is the context window difference between Command R and Magistral Small?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Cohere and Mistral AI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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