Grok 3 Mini vs Magistral Small
Grok 3 Mini vs Magistral Small: Grok 3 Mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.30/M vs $0.50/M input tokens), while Grok 3 Mini is better for long-context tasks (128,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok 3 Mini for lower token spend and choose Grok 3 Mini 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)
Grok 3 Mini
Magistral Small
Cost Differences
Magistral Small costs more than Grok 3 Mini
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok 3 Mini. At the default workload, Grok 3 Mini saves about $2.10/month ($25.55/year) versus Magistral Small.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 3 Mini | Magistral Small |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.30/1M tokens | $0.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.50/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 16,384 tokens |
| Category | efficient | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textreasoningcode | textreasoning |
| Release Date | 2/17/2025 | 12/15/2025 |
Grok 3 Mini vs Magistral Small: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 3 Mini and Magistral Small depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok 3 Mini is the more affordable option at $0.30/1M input tokens — 40% cheaper than Magistral Small.
These models come from different providers — xAI and Mistral AI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with xAI, switching to Mistral AIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Grok 3 Mini is a efficient model while Magistral Small is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Magistral Small targets more demanding workloads, while Grok 3 Mini provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Grok 3 Mini charges $0.50/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Magistral Small. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok 3 Mini has the edge here at $0.50/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 3 Mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need more capabilities (code)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose Magistral Small when:
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 3 Mini
- • Input pricing: $0.30/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Magistral Small
- • Input pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Grok 3 Mini
- • Higher output cost than Grok 3 Mini
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 3 Mini (xAI)
Magistral Small (Mistral AI)
Start using Grok 3 Mini today
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Which is cheaper, Grok 3 Mini or Magistral Small?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 3 Mini and Magistral Small?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare xAI and Mistral AI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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