GPT-5.3 Codex vs GPT-5 nano
GPT-5.3 Codex vs GPT-5 nano: GPT-5 nano is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.05/M vs $1.75/M input tokens), while GPT-5.3 Codex is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose GPT-5 nano for lower token spend and choose GPT-5.3 Codex 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-5.3 Codex
GPT-5 nano
Cost Differences
GPT-5 nano costs less than GPT-5.3 Codex
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-5 nano. At the default workload, GPT-5 nano saves about $25.50/month ($310.25/year) versus GPT-5.3 Codex.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5.3 Codex | GPT-5 nano |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $1.75/1M tokens | $0.05/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $14.00/1M tokens | $0.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 256,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 8,192 tokens |
| Category | coding | efficient |
| Capabilities | textcode | text |
| Release Date | 3/1/2026 | 8/7/2025 |
GPT-5.3 Codex vs GPT-5 nano: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5.3 Codex 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 — 97% cheaper than GPT-5.3 Codex. Meanwhile, GPT-5.3 Codex offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 128,000 for GPT-5 nano.
These models target different tiers: GPT-5.3 Codex is a coding model while GPT-5 nano is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-5 nano targets more demanding workloads, while GPT-5.3 Codex provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. GPT-5.3 Codex charges $14.00/1M 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.
Best Use Cases
Choose GPT-5.3 Codex when:
- • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (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
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
GPT-5.3 Codex
- • Input pricing: $1.75/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $14.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than GPT-5 nano
- • Higher output cost than GPT-5 nano
GPT-5 nano
- • Input pricing: $0.05/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.40/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 8,192 tokens
Watch out for
- • Smaller context window than GPT-5.3 Codex
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
GPT-5.3 Codex (OpenAI)
GPT-5 nano (OpenAI)
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What is the context window difference between GPT-5.3 Codex and GPT-5 nano?▼
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