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DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini

DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini: Grok 3 Mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.30/M vs $0.435/M input tokens), while DeepSeek V4 Pro is better for long-context tasks (1,000,000 tokens).

Direct answer: choose Grok 3 Mini for lower token spend and choose DeepSeek V4 Pro when your workload needs longer context.

Common pricing searches covered on this page: DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini • DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini pricing • DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini API pricing and v4 pro vs grok 3 mini pricing.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek V4 Pro
vs
xAI
Grok 3 Mini

Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)

DeepSeek V4 Pro

Per Request:$0.000870
Daily:$0.087
Monthly:$2.61
Yearly:$31.755

Grok 3 Mini

Per Request:$0.000550
Daily:$0.055
Monthly:$1.65
Yearly:$20.075

Cost Differences

$0.000320
Per Request
$0.032
Daily
$0.96
Monthly
$11.68
Yearly

Grok 3 Mini costs less than DeepSeek V4 Pro

Quick Recommendation

Winner for direct API pricing: Grok 3 Mini. At the default workload, Grok 3 Mini saves about $0.96/month ($11.68/year) versus DeepSeek V4 Pro.

Feature Comparison

FeatureDeepSeek V4 ProGrok 3 Mini
ProviderDeepSeekxAI
Input Price$0.435/1M tokens$0.30/1M tokens
Output Price$0.87/1M tokens$0.50/1M tokens
Context Window1,000,000 tokens128,000 tokens
Max Output384,000 tokens131,072 tokens
Categoryflagshipefficient
Capabilities
textcodereasoning
textreasoningcode
Release Date4/24/20262/17/2025

DeepSeek V4 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between DeepSeek V4 Pro and Grok 3 Mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok 3 Mini is the more affordable option at $0.30/1M input tokens31% cheaper than DeepSeek V4 Pro. Meanwhile, DeepSeek V4 Pro offers a significantly larger context window at 1,000,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Grok 3 Mini.

These models come from different providers — DeepSeek and xAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with DeepSeek, switching to xAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.

These models target different tiers: DeepSeek V4 Pro is a flagship model while Grok 3 Mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. DeepSeek V4 Pro is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while Grok 3 Mini offers better value for routine operations.

Output costs matter too. DeepSeek V4 Pro charges $0.87/1M output tokens vs $0.50 for Grok 3 Mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok 3 Mini has the edge here at $0.50/1M output tokens.

Best Use Cases

Choose DeepSeek V4 Pro when:

  • • You need a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
  • • You need longer outputs (up to 384,000 tokens)
  • • You're already using DeepSeek's API ecosystem

Choose Grok 3 Mini when:

  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
  • • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads

Pros and Caveats at a Glance

DeepSeek V4 Pro

  • Input pricing: $0.435/M tokens
  • Output pricing: $0.87/M tokens
  • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
  • Max output: 384,000 tokens

Watch out for

  • Higher input cost than Grok 3 Mini
  • Higher output cost than Grok 3 Mini

Grok 3 Mini

  • Input pricing: $0.30/M tokens
  • Output pricing: $0.50/M tokens
  • Context window: 128,000 tokens
  • Max output: 131,072 tokens

Watch out for

  • Smaller context window than DeepSeek V4 Pro

Try Different Scenarios

Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns

DeepSeek V4 Pro (DeepSeek)

Grok 3 Mini (xAI)

Start using DeepSeek V4 Pro today

Sign Up for DeepSeek

Start using Grok 3 Mini today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DeepSeek V4 Pro or Grok 3 Mini?
Grok 3 Mini is cheaper for input tokens at $0.30 per million tokens vs $0.435 for DeepSeek V4 Pro — that's 31% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between DeepSeek V4 Pro and Grok 3 Mini?
DeepSeek V4 Pro supports 1,000,000 tokens while Grok 3 Mini supports 128,000 tokens — a difference of 872,000 tokens in favor of DeepSeek V4 Pro.
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?
Both models support text, code, reasoning. For ai agent / agentic workflows, Grok 3 Mini is the lower-cost option, while DeepSeek V4 Pro offers a larger context window (1,000,000 vs 128,000 tokens). Choose Grok 3 Mini for budget sensitivity or DeepSeek V4 Pro for longer context tasks.
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?
At 100 requests/day with 1,000 input and 500 output tokens each, DeepSeek V4 Pro costs about $2.61/month and Grok 3 Mini costs about $1.65/month. Overall, Grok 3 Mini has lower combined input + output rates ($0.30 in, $0.50 out) vs DeepSeek V4 Pro.
Where can I compare DeepSeek and xAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?
See the DeepSeek vs xAI provider comparison page for lineup-level averages, then review each model page for exact per-token rates.

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