Grok 4.1 Fast vs Mistral Small 4
Grok 4.1 Fast vs Mistral Small 4: Mistral Small 4 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.15/M vs $0.20/M input tokens), while Grok 4.1 Fast is better for long-context tasks (2,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Mistral Small 4 for lower token spend and choose Grok 4.1 Fast 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 4.1 Fast
Mistral Small 4
Cost Differences
Mistral Small 4 costs less than Grok 4.1 Fast
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok 4.1 Fast. At the default workload, Grok 4.1 Fast saves about $0.00/month ($0.00/year) versus Mistral Small 4.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 4.1 Fast | Mistral Small 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.20/1M tokens | $0.15/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.50/1M tokens | $0.60/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 2,000,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 16,384 tokens |
| Category | efficient | efficient |
| Capabilities | textreasoningcode | textvisioncodereasoning |
| Release Date | 1/15/2026 | 3/18/2026 |
Grok 4.1 Fast vs Mistral Small 4: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 4.1 Fast and Mistral Small 4 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok 4.1 Fast is the more affordable option at $0.20/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, Grok 4.1 Fast offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Mistral Small 4.
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.
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: Grok 4.1 Fast would save you roughly $0.00/month compared to Mistral Small 4. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Grok 4.1 Fast charges $0.50/1M output tokens vs $0.60 for Mistral Small 4. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok 4.1 Fast has the edge here at $0.50/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Mistral Small 4 supports vision (image inputs) while Grok 4.1 Fast is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 4.1 Fast when:
- • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
- • 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 Mistral Small 4 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need more capabilities (vision)
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 4.1 Fast
- • Input pricing: $0.20/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 2,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Mistral Small 4
Mistral Small 4
- • Input pricing: $0.15/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.60/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than Grok 4.1 Fast
- • Smaller context window than Grok 4.1 Fast
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 4.1 Fast (xAI)
Mistral Small 4 (Mistral AI)
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok 4.1 Fast or Mistral Small 4?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 4.1 Fast and Mistral Small 4?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
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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