Grok 3 vs Llama 4 Maverick
Grok 3 vs Llama 4 Maverick: Llama 4 Maverick is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.27/M vs $3.00/M input tokens), while Llama 4 Maverick is better for long-context tasks (1,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Llama 4 Maverick for lower token spend and choose Llama 4 Maverick 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
Llama 4 Maverick
Cost Differences
Llama 4 Maverick costs less than Grok 3
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Llama 4 Maverick. At the default workload, Llama 4 Maverick saves about $29.415/month ($357.8825/year) versus Grok 3.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 3 | Llama 4 Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Meta (via Together AI) |
| Input Price | $3.00/1M tokens | $0.27/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $15.00/1M tokens | $0.85/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 131,072 tokens | 1,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 65,536 tokens |
| Category | flagship | flagship |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoningcode | textvisioncode |
| Release Date | 2/17/2025 | 4/5/2025 |
Grok 3 vs Llama 4 Maverick: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 3 and Llama 4 Maverick depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Llama 4 Maverick is the more affordable option at $0.27/1M input tokens — 91% cheaper than Grok 3. Meanwhile, Llama 4 Maverick offers a significantly larger context window at 1,000,000 tokens vs 131,072 for Grok 3.
These models come from different providers — xAI and Meta (via Together AI) — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with xAI, switching to Meta (via Together AI)involves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
Both models are in the flagship category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: Llama 4 Maverick would save you roughly $2,941.50/month compared to Grok 3. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Grok 3 charges $15.00/1M output tokens vs $0.85 for Llama 4 Maverick. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Llama 4 Maverick has the edge here at $0.85/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Both models support vision (image understanding), so you can send images alongside text prompts with either option.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 3 when:
- • You need more capabilities (reasoning)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Llama 4 Maverick when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'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 Llama 4 Maverick
- • Higher output cost than Llama 4 Maverick
- • Smaller context window than Llama 4 Maverick
Llama 4 Maverick
- • Input pricing: $0.27/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.85/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 65,536 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)
Llama 4 Maverick (Meta (via Together AI))
Start using Grok 3 today
Sign Up for xAI →Start using Llama 4 Maverick today
Sign Up for Meta (via Together AI) →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok 3 or Llama 4 Maverick?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 3 and Llama 4 Maverick?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare xAI and Meta (via Together AI) API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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