Gemini 3.1 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini
Gemini 3.1 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini: Grok 3 Mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.30/M vs $2.00/M input tokens), while Gemini 3.1 Pro is better for long-context tasks (1,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok 3 Mini for lower token spend and choose Gemini 3.1 Pro 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)
Gemini 3.1 Pro
Grok 3 Mini
Cost Differences
Grok 3 Mini costs less than Gemini 3.1 Pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok 3 Mini. At the default workload, Grok 3 Mini saves about $22.35/month ($271.925/year) versus Gemini 3.1 Pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Gemini 3.1 Pro | Grok 3 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | |
| Input Price | $2.00/1M tokens | $0.30/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $12.00/1M tokens | $0.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 65,536 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | flagship | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiovideocodereasoning | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 2/19/2026 | 2/17/2025 |
Gemini 3.1 Pro vs Grok 3 Mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Gemini 3.1 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 tokens — 85% cheaper than Gemini 3.1 Pro. Meanwhile, Gemini 3.1 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 — Google and xAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Google, switching to xAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Gemini 3.1 Pro is a flagship model while Grok 3 Mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Gemini 3.1 Pro is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while Grok 3 Mini offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Gemini 3.1 Pro charges $12.00/1M 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.
Multimodal capabilities: Gemini 3.1 Pro supports vision (image inputs) while Grok 3 Mini is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Gemini 3.1 Pro when:
- • You need a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision, audio, video)
- • You're already using Google's API ecosystem
Choose Grok 3 Mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Gemini 3.1 Pro
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $12.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 65,536 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 Gemini 3.1 Pro
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Gemini 3.1 Pro (Google)
Grok 3 Mini (xAI)
Start using Gemini 3.1 Pro today
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Sign Up for xAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Gemini 3.1 Pro or Grok 3 Mini?▼
What is the context window difference between Gemini 3.1 Pro and Grok 3 Mini?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Google and xAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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