Grok 4 vs o4-mini Deep Research
Grok 4 vs o4-mini Deep Research: o4-mini Deep Research is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($2.00/M vs $3.00/M input tokens), while Grok 4 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose o4-mini Deep Research for lower token spend and choose Grok 4 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
o4-mini Deep Research
Cost Differences
o4-mini Deep Research costs less than Grok 4
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: o4-mini Deep Research. At the default workload, o4-mini Deep Research saves about $13.50/month ($164.25/year) versus Grok 4.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 4 | o4-mini Deep Research |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $3.00/1M tokens | $2.00/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $15.00/1M tokens | $8.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 256,000 tokens | 200,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoningcode | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 7/9/2025 | 6/26/2025 |
Grok 4 vs o4-mini Deep Research: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 4 and o4-mini Deep Research depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. o4-mini Deep Research is the more affordable option at $2.00/1M input tokens — 33% cheaper than Grok 4. Meanwhile, Grok 4 offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 200,000 for o4-mini Deep Research.
These models come from different providers — xAI and OpenAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with xAI, switching to OpenAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
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: o4-mini Deep Research would save you roughly $1,350.00/month compared to Grok 4. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Grok 4 charges $15.00/1M output tokens vs $8.00 for o4-mini Deep Research. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. o4-mini Deep Research has the edge here at $8.00/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Grok 4 supports vision (image inputs) while o4-mini Deep Research is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 4 when:
- • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose o4-mini Deep Research when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 4
- • Input pricing: $3.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $15.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than o4-mini Deep Research
- • Higher output cost than o4-mini Deep Research
o4-mini Deep Research
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $8.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Smaller context window than Grok 4
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 4 (xAI)
o4-mini Deep Research (OpenAI)
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Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok 4 or o4-mini Deep Research?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 4 and o4-mini Deep Research?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare xAI and OpenAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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