GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-5 mini
GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-5 mini: GPT-5 mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.25/M vs $0.40/M input tokens), while GPT-5 mini is better for long-context tasks (500,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose GPT-5 mini for lower token spend and choose GPT-5 mini 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)
GPT-4.1 mini
GPT-5 mini
Cost Differences
GPT-5 mini costs more than GPT-4.1 mini
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-4.1 mini. At the default workload, GPT-4.1 mini saves about $0.15/month ($1.825/year) versus GPT-5 mini.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-4.1 mini | GPT-5 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $0.40/1M tokens | $0.25/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.60/1M tokens | $2.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 200,000 tokens | 500,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 16,384 tokens | 65,536 tokens |
| Category | efficient | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | textvisioncode |
| Release Date | 4/14/2025 | 8/7/2025 |
GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-5 mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-5 mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-4.1 mini is the more affordable option at $0.40/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, GPT-5 mini offers a significantly larger context window at 500,000 tokens vs 200,000 for GPT-4.1 mini.
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 mini would save you roughly $15.00/month compared to GPT-5 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 $2.00 for GPT-5 mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-4.1 mini has the edge here at $1.60/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Both models support vision (image understanding), so you can send images alongside text prompts with either option.
Best Use Cases
Choose GPT-4.1 mini when:
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose GPT-5 mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (500,000 tokens)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 65,536 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
GPT-4.1 mini
- • Input pricing: $0.40/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.60/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than GPT-5 mini
- • Smaller context window than GPT-5 mini
GPT-5 mini
- • Input pricing: $0.25/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 500,000 tokens
- • Max output: 65,536 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than GPT-4.1 mini
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)
GPT-5 mini (OpenAI)
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Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 mini or GPT-5 mini?▼
What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-5 mini?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
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