Grok 4.20 vs Grok 4.3
Grok 4.20 vs Grok 4.3: Grok 4.20 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.25/M vs $1.25/M input tokens), while Grok 4.20 is better for long-context tasks (2,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok 4.20 for lower token spend and choose Grok 4.20 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 4.20
Grok 4.3
Cost Differences
Grok 4.3 costs less than Grok 4.20
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok 4.20. At the default workload, Grok 4.20 saves about $0.00/month ($0.00/year) versus Grok 4.3.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 4.20 | Grok 4.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | xAI |
| Input Price | $1.25/1M tokens | $1.25/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $2.50/1M tokens | $2.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 2,000,000 tokens | 1,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoningcode | textvisionreasoning |
| Release Date | 2/17/2026 | 4/30/2026 |
Grok 4.20 vs Grok 4.3: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 4.20 and Grok 4.3 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok 4.3 is the more affordable option at $1.25/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, Grok 4.20 offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 1,000,000 for Grok 4.3.
Both models are in the reasoning category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: Grok 4.3 would save you roughly $0.00/month compared to Grok 4.20. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Grok 4.20 charges $2.50/1M output tokens vs $2.50 for Grok 4.3.
Multimodal capabilities: Both models support vision (image understanding), so you can send images alongside text prompts with either option.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 4.20 when:
- • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (code)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Grok 4.3 when:
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 4.20
- • Input pricing: $1.25/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $2.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 2,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Grok 4.3
- • Input pricing: $1.25/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $2.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Smaller context window than Grok 4.20
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 4.20 (xAI)
Grok 4.3 (xAI)
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Sign Up for xAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok 4.20 or Grok 4.3?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 4.20 and Grok 4.3?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
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