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GPT-5.3 Codex vs o3-pro

GPT-5.3 Codex vs o3-pro: GPT-5.3 Codex is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.75/M vs $20.00/M input tokens), while o3-pro is better for long-context tasks (1,000,000 tokens).

Direct answer: choose GPT-5.3 Codex for lower token spend and choose o3-pro 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-5.3 Codex
vs
OpenAI
o3-pro

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

GPT-5.3 Codex

Per Request:$0.008750
Daily:$0.875
Monthly:$26.25
Yearly:$319.375

o3-pro

Per Request:$0.06
Daily:$6.00
Monthly:$180.00
Yearly:$2,190.00

Cost Differences

+$0.05125
Per Request
+$5.125
Daily
+$153.75
Monthly
+$1,870.625
Yearly

o3-pro costs more than GPT-5.3 Codex

Quick Recommendation

Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-5.3 Codex. At the default workload, GPT-5.3 Codex saves about $153.75/month ($1,870.625/year) versus o3-pro.

Feature Comparison

FeatureGPT-5.3 Codexo3-pro
ProviderOpenAIOpenAI
Input Price$1.75/1M tokens$20.00/1M tokens
Output Price$14.00/1M tokens$80.00/1M tokens
Context Window256,000 tokens1,000,000 tokens
Max Output32,768 tokens131,072 tokens
Categorycodingreasoning
Capabilities
textcode
textreasoningcode
Release Date3/1/20266/10/2025

GPT-5.3 Codex vs o3-pro: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-5.3 Codex and o3-pro depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-5.3 Codex is the more affordable option at $1.75/1M input tokens91% cheaper than o3-pro. Meanwhile, o3-pro offers a significantly larger context window at 1,000,000 tokens vs 256,000 for GPT-5.3 Codex.

These models target different tiers: GPT-5.3 Codex is a coding model while o3-pro is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. o3-pro 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 $80.00 for o3-pro. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-5.3 Codex has the edge here at $14.00/1M output tokens.

Best Use Cases

Choose GPT-5.3 Codex when:

  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

Choose o3-pro when:

  • • You need a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
  • • You need more capabilities (reasoning)
  • • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

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

  • Smaller context window than o3-pro

o3-pro

  • Input pricing: $20.00/M tokens
  • Output pricing: $80.00/M tokens
  • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
  • Max output: 131,072 tokens

Watch out for

  • Higher input cost than GPT-5.3 Codex
  • Higher output cost 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)

o3-pro (OpenAI)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-5.3 Codex or o3-pro?
GPT-5.3 Codex is cheaper for input tokens at $1.75 per million tokens vs $20.00 for o3-pro — that's 91% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between GPT-5.3 Codex and o3-pro?
GPT-5.3 Codex supports 256,000 tokens while o3-pro supports 1,000,000 tokens — a difference of 744,000 tokens in favor of o3-pro.
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?
Both models support text. For ai chatbot, GPT-5.3 Codex is the lower-cost option, while o3-pro offers a larger context window (1,000,000 vs 256,000 tokens). Choose GPT-5.3 Codex for budget sensitivity or o3-pro 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-5.3 Codex costs about $26.25/month and o3-pro costs about $180.00/month. Overall, GPT-5.3 Codex has lower combined input + output rates ($1.75 in, $14.00 out) vs o3-pro.

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