GPT-4.1 mini vs Grok Code Fast 1

GPT-4.1 mini vs Grok Code Fast 1: Grok Code Fast 1 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.20/M vs $0.40/M input tokens), while Grok Code Fast 1 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).

Direct answer: choose Grok Code Fast 1 for lower token spend and choose Grok Code Fast 1 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.

OpenAI

GPT-4.1 mini

xAI

Grok Code Fast 1

Try OpenAI →Try xAI →

GPT-4.1 mini pricing page Grok Code Fast 1 pricing page OpenAI provider overview xAI provider overview

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

GPT-4.1 mini

Per Request:$0.001200

Daily:$0.12

Monthly:$3.60

Yearly:$43.80

Grok Code Fast 1

Per Request:$0.000950

Daily:$0.095

Monthly:$2.85

Yearly:$34.675

Cost Differences

$0.000250

Per Request

$0.025

Daily

$0.75

Monthly

$9.125

Yearly

Grok Code Fast 1 costs less than GPT-4.1 mini

Quick Recommendation

Winner for direct API pricing: Grok Code Fast 1. At the default workload, Grok Code Fast 1 saves about $0.75/month ($9.125/year) versus GPT-4.1 mini.

GPT-4.1 mini full pricing breakdown Grok Code Fast 1 full pricing breakdown OpenAI API pricing details xAI API pricing details OpenAI vs xAI API pricing Codex Mini vs o4-mini Deep Research Codex Mini vs o3 Deep Research

Feature Comparison

Feature	GPT-4.1 mini	Grok Code Fast 1
Provider	OpenAI	xAI
Input Price	$0.40/1M tokens	$0.20/1M tokens
Output Price	$1.60/1M tokens	$1.50/1M tokens
Context Window	200,000 tokens	256,000 tokens
Max Output	16,384 tokens	32,768 tokens
Category	efficient	standard
Capabilities	textvisioncode	textcodereasoning
Release Date	4/14/2025	2/1/2026

GPT-4.1 mini vs Grok Code Fast 1: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-4.1 mini and Grok Code Fast 1 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok Code Fast 1 is the more affordable option at $0.20/1M input tokens — 50% cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini. Meanwhile, Grok Code Fast 1 offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 200,000 for GPT-4.1 mini.

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

These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 mini is a efficient model while Grok Code Fast 1 is standard. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Grok Code Fast 1 targets more demanding workloads, while GPT-4.1 mini provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 mini charges $1.60/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Grok Code Fast 1. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok Code Fast 1 has the edge here at $1.50/1M output tokens.

Multimodal capabilities: GPT-4.1 mini supports vision (image inputs) while Grok Code Fast 1 is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.

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 Grok Code Fast 1 when:

• Budget is a primary concern
• You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
• You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
• You're already using xAI's API ecosystem

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 Grok Code Fast 1
• Higher output cost than Grok Code Fast 1
• Smaller context window than Grok Code Fast 1

Grok Code Fast 1

• Input pricing: $0.20/M tokens
• Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
• Context window: 256,000 tokens
• Max output: 32,768 tokens

Watch out for

• Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.

Try Different Scenarios

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

GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)

Cost Calculator

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Model

Input Tokens

Output Tokens

Requests/Day

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Grok Code Fast 1 (xAI)

Cost Calculator

Provider

Model

Input Tokens

Output Tokens

Requests/Day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 mini or Grok Code Fast 1?▼

Grok Code Fast 1 is cheaper for input tokens at $0.20 per million tokens vs $0.40 for GPT-4.1 mini — that's 50% savings on input costs.

What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 mini and Grok Code Fast 1?▼

GPT-4.1 mini supports 200,000 tokens while Grok Code Fast 1 supports 256,000 tokens — a difference of 56,000 tokens in favor of Grok Code Fast 1.

Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼

Both models support text. For ai chatbot, Grok Code Fast 1 is the lower-cost option, while Grok Code Fast 1 offers a larger context window (256,000 vs 200,000 tokens). Choose Grok Code Fast 1 for budget sensitivity or Grok Code Fast 1 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, GPT-4.1 mini costs about $3.60/month and Grok Code Fast 1 costs about $2.85/month. Overall, Grok Code Fast 1 has lower combined input + output rates ($0.20 in, $1.50 out) vs GPT-4.1 mini.

Where can I compare OpenAI and xAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼

See the OpenAI vs xAI provider comparison page for lineup-level averages, then review each model page for exact per-token rates.