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GPT-4.1 nano vs Grok 4.1 Fast

Compare OpenAI and xAI AI models

OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
vs
xAI
Grok 4.1 Fast

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

GPT-4.1 nano

Per Request:$0.000300
Daily:$0.03
Monthly:$0.90
Yearly:$10.95

Grok 4.1 Fast

Per Request:$0.000450
Daily:$0.045
Monthly:$1.35
Yearly:$16.425

Cost Differences

+$0.000150
Per Request
+$0.015
Daily
+$0.45
Monthly
+$5.475
Yearly

Grok 4.1 Fast costs more than GPT-4.1 nano

Feature Comparison

FeatureGPT-4.1 nanoGrok 4.1 Fast
ProviderOpenAIxAI
Input Price$0.10/1M tokens$0.20/1M tokens
Output Price$0.40/1M tokens$0.50/1M tokens
Context Window128,000 tokens2,000,000 tokens
Max Output8,192 tokens131,072 tokens
Categoryefficientefficient
Capabilities
text
textreasoningcode
Release Date4/14/20251/15/2026

GPT-4.1 nano vs Grok 4.1 Fast: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-4.1 nano and Grok 4.1 Fast 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 tokens50% cheaper than Grok 4.1 Fast. Meanwhile, Grok 4.1 Fast offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 128,000 for GPT-4.1 nano.

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.

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 $45.00/month compared to Grok 4.1 Fast. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 nano charges $0.40/1M output tokens vs $0.50 for Grok 4.1 Fast. 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.

Best Use Cases

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

Choose Grok 4.1 Fast when:

  • • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
  • • You need more capabilities (reasoning, code)
  • • 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

Try Different Scenarios

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

GPT-4.1 nano (OpenAI)

Grok 4.1 Fast (xAI)

Start using GPT-4.1 nano today

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Start using Grok 4.1 Fast today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 nano or Grok 4.1 Fast?
GPT-4.1 nano is cheaper for input tokens at $0.10 per million tokens vs $0.20 for Grok 4.1 Fast — that's 50% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 nano and Grok 4.1 Fast?
GPT-4.1 nano supports 128,000 tokens while Grok 4.1 Fast supports 2,000,000 tokens — a difference of 1,872,000 tokens in favor of Grok 4.1 Fast.
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?
Both models support text. For ai chatbot, GPT-4.1 nano is the lower-cost option, while Grok 4.1 Fast offers a larger context window (2,000,000 vs 128,000 tokens). Choose GPT-4.1 nano for budget sensitivity or Grok 4.1 Fast 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 nano costs about $0.90/month and Grok 4.1 Fast costs about $1.35/month. Overall, GPT-4.1 nano has lower combined input + output rates ($0.10 in, $0.40 out) vs Grok 4.1 Fast.

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