GPT-4.1 vs GPT-5 mini

Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models

OpenAI

GPT-4.1

OpenAI

GPT-5 mini

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

GPT-4.1

Per Request:$0.006000

Daily:$0.60

Monthly:$18.00

Yearly:$219.00

GPT-5 mini

Per Request:$0.001250

Daily:$0.125

Monthly:$3.75

Yearly:$45.625

Cost Differences

$0.004750

Per Request

$0.475

Daily

$14.25

Monthly

$173.375

Yearly

GPT-5 mini costs less than GPT-4.1

Feature Comparison

Feature	GPT-4.1	GPT-5 mini
Provider	OpenAI	OpenAI
Input Price	$2.00/1M tokens	$0.25/1M tokens
Output Price	$8.00/1M tokens	$2.00/1M tokens
Context Window	200,000 tokens	500,000 tokens
Max Output	32,768 tokens	65,536 tokens
Category	flagship	efficient
Capabilities	textvisioncode	textvisioncode
Release Date	4/14/2025	8/7/2025

GPT-4.1 vs GPT-5 mini: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-4.1 and GPT-5 mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-5 mini is the more affordable option at $0.25/1M input tokens — 88% cheaper than GPT-4.1. Meanwhile, GPT-5 mini offers a significantly larger context window at 500,000 tokens vs 200,000 for GPT-4.1.

These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 is a flagship model while GPT-5 mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-4.1 is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while GPT-5 mini offers better value for routine operations.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 charges $8.00/1M 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-5 mini has the edge here at $2.00/1M 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 when:

• You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

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

Try Different Scenarios

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

GPT-4.1 (OpenAI)

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GPT-5 mini (OpenAI)

Cost Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 or GPT-5 mini?▼

GPT-5 mini is cheaper for input tokens at $0.25 per million tokens vs $2.00 for GPT-4.1 — that's 88% savings on input costs.

What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 and GPT-5 mini?▼

GPT-4.1 supports 200,000 tokens while GPT-5 mini supports 500,000 tokens — a difference of 300,000 tokens in favor of GPT-5 mini.

Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼

Both models support text. For ai chatbot, GPT-5 mini is the lower-cost option, while GPT-5 mini offers a larger context window (500,000 vs 200,000 tokens). Choose GPT-5 mini for budget sensitivity or GPT-5 mini 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 costs about $18.00/month and GPT-5 mini costs about $3.75/month. Overall, GPT-5 mini has lower combined input + output rates ($0.25 in, $2.00 out) vs GPT-4.1.