GPT-4.1 vs GPT-5 nano

Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models

OpenAI

GPT-4.1

OpenAI

GPT-5 nano

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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 nano

Per Request:$0.000250

Daily:$0.025

Monthly:$0.75

Yearly:$9.125

Cost Differences

$0.005750

Per Request

$0.575

Daily

$17.25

Monthly

$209.875

Yearly

GPT-5 nano costs less than GPT-4.1

Feature Comparison

Feature	GPT-4.1	GPT-5 nano
Provider	OpenAI	OpenAI
Input Price	$2.00/1M tokens	$0.05/1M tokens
Output Price	$8.00/1M tokens	$0.40/1M tokens
Context Window	200,000 tokens	128,000 tokens
Max Output	32,768 tokens	8,192 tokens
Category	flagship	efficient
Capabilities	textvisioncode	text
Release Date	4/14/2025	8/7/2025

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

Choosing between GPT-4.1 and GPT-5 nano depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-5 nano is the more affordable option at $0.05/1M input tokens — 98% cheaper than GPT-4.1. Meanwhile, GPT-4.1 offers a significantly larger context window at 200,000 tokens vs 128,000 for GPT-5 nano.

These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 is a flagship model while GPT-5 nano 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 nano offers better value for routine operations.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 charges $8.00/1M output tokens vs $0.40 for GPT-5 nano. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-5 nano has the edge here at $0.40/1M output tokens.

Multimodal capabilities: GPT-4.1 supports vision (image inputs) while GPT-5 nano is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.

Best Use Cases

Choose GPT-4.1 when:

• You need a larger context window (200,000 tokens)
• You need more capabilities (vision, code)
• You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
• You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

Choose GPT-5 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 (OpenAI)

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GPT-5 nano (OpenAI)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

GPT-5 nano is cheaper for input tokens at $0.05 per million tokens vs $2.00 for GPT-4.1 — that's 98% savings on input costs.

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

GPT-4.1 supports 200,000 tokens while GPT-5 nano supports 128,000 tokens — a difference of 72,000 tokens in favor of GPT-4.1.

Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼

Both models support text. For ai chatbot, GPT-5 nano is the lower-cost option, while GPT-4.1 offers a larger context window (200,000 vs 128,000 tokens). Choose GPT-5 nano for budget sensitivity or GPT-4.1 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 costs about $18.00/month and GPT-5 nano costs about $0.75/month. Overall, GPT-5 nano has lower combined input + output rates ($0.05 in, $0.40 out) vs GPT-4.1.