GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-4.1 nano
Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
GPT-4.1 mini
GPT-4.1 nano
Cost Differences
GPT-4.1 nano costs less than GPT-4.1 mini
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-4.1 mini | GPT-4.1 nano |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $0.40/1M tokens | $0.10/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.60/1M tokens | $0.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 200,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 16,384 tokens | 8,192 tokens |
| Category | efficient | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | text |
| Release Date | 4/14/2025 | 4/14/2025 |
GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-4.1 nano: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-4.1 nano depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-4.1 nano is the more affordable option at $0.10/1M input tokens — 75% cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini. Meanwhile, GPT-4.1 mini offers a significantly larger context window at 200,000 tokens vs 128,000 for GPT-4.1 nano.
Both models are in the efficient category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: GPT-4.1 nano would save you roughly $270.00/month compared to GPT-4.1 mini. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 mini charges $1.60/1M output tokens vs $0.40 for GPT-4.1 nano. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-4.1 nano has the edge here at $0.40/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: GPT-4.1 mini supports vision (image inputs) while GPT-4.1 nano is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose GPT-4.1 mini when:
- • You need a larger context window (200,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision, code)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 16,384 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose GPT-4.1 nano when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)
GPT-4.1 nano (OpenAI)
Start using GPT-4.1 mini today
Sign Up for OpenAI →Start using GPT-4.1 nano today
Sign Up for OpenAI →