Grok 3 vs Grok Code Fast 1
Grok 3 vs Grok Code Fast 1: Grok Code Fast 1 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.20/M vs $3.00/M input tokens), while Grok Code Fast 1 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok Code Fast 1 for lower token spend and choose Grok Code Fast 1 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
Grok Code Fast 1
Cost Differences
Grok Code Fast 1 costs less than Grok 3
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok Code Fast 1. At the default workload, Grok Code Fast 1 saves about $28.65/month ($348.575/year) versus Grok 3.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 3 | Grok Code Fast 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | xAI |
| Input Price | $3.00/1M tokens | $0.20/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $15.00/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 131,072 tokens | 256,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | flagship | standard |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoningcode | textcodereasoning |
| Release Date | 2/17/2025 | 2/1/2026 |
Grok 3 vs Grok Code Fast 1: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 3 and Grok Code Fast 1 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok Code Fast 1 is the more affordable option at $0.20/1M input tokens — 93% cheaper than Grok 3. Meanwhile, Grok Code Fast 1 offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 131,072 for Grok 3.
These models target different tiers: Grok 3 is a flagship model while Grok Code Fast 1 is standard. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Grok 3 is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while Grok Code Fast 1 offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Grok 3 charges $15.00/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Grok Code Fast 1. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok Code Fast 1 has the edge here at $1.50/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Grok 3 supports vision (image inputs) while Grok Code Fast 1 is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 3 when:
- • You need more capabilities (vision)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Grok Code Fast 1 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 3
- • Input pricing: $3.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $15.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 131,072 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Grok Code Fast 1
- • Higher output cost than Grok Code Fast 1
- • Smaller context window than Grok Code Fast 1
Grok Code Fast 1
- • Input pricing: $0.20/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 3 (xAI)
Grok Code Fast 1 (xAI)
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Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
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