Grok Code Fast 1 vs o4-mini
Grok Code Fast 1 vs o4-mini: Grok Code Fast 1 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.20/M vs $1.10/M input tokens), while o4-mini is better for long-context tasks (2,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok Code Fast 1 for lower token spend and choose o4-mini 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 Code Fast 1
o4-mini
Cost Differences
o4-mini costs more than Grok Code Fast 1
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Grok Code Fast 1. At the default workload, Grok Code Fast 1 saves about $7.05/month ($85.775/year) versus o4-mini.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok Code Fast 1 | o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $0.20/1M tokens | $1.10/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.50/1M tokens | $4.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 256,000 tokens | 2,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | standard | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 2/1/2026 | 4/16/2025 |
Grok Code Fast 1 vs o4-mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok Code Fast 1 and o4-mini 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 — 82% cheaper than o4-mini. Meanwhile, o4-mini offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 256,000 for Grok Code Fast 1.
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.
These models target different tiers: Grok Code Fast 1 is a standard model while o4-mini is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. o4-mini targets more demanding workloads, while Grok Code Fast 1 provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Grok Code Fast 1 charges $1.50/1M output tokens vs $4.40 for o4-mini. 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.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok Code Fast 1 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose o4-mini when:
- • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
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
- • Smaller context window than o4-mini
o4-mini
- • Input pricing: $1.10/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $4.40/M tokens
- • Context window: 2,000,000 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
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok Code Fast 1 (xAI)
o4-mini (OpenAI)
Start using Grok Code Fast 1 today
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Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok Code Fast 1 or o4-mini?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok Code Fast 1 and o4-mini?▼
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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