GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5 nano
Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
GPT-5 mini
GPT-5 nano
Cost Differences
GPT-5 nano costs less than GPT-5 mini
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5 mini | GPT-5 nano |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $0.25/1M tokens | $0.05/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $2.00/1M tokens | $0.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 500,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 65,536 tokens | 8,192 tokens |
| Category | efficient | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | text |
| Release Date | 8/7/2025 | 8/7/2025 |
GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5 nano: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5 mini 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 — 80% cheaper than GPT-5 mini. Meanwhile, GPT-5 mini offers a significantly larger context window at 500,000 tokens vs 128,000 for GPT-5 nano.
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-5 nano would save you roughly $300.00/month compared to GPT-5 mini. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. GPT-5 mini charges $2.00/1M 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-5 mini 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-5 mini when:
- • You need a larger context window (500,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision, code)
- • 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
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-5 mini (OpenAI)
GPT-5 nano (OpenAI)
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