Llama 3.1 405B vs Magistral Medium
Llama 3.1 405B vs Magistral Medium: Magistral Medium is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($2.00/M vs $3.50/M input tokens), while Llama 3.1 405B is better for long-context tasks (128,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Magistral Medium for lower token spend and choose Llama 3.1 405B 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)
Llama 3.1 405B
Magistral Medium
Cost Differences
Magistral Medium costs less than Llama 3.1 405B
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Magistral Medium. At the default workload, Magistral Medium saves about $2.25/month ($27.375/year) versus Llama 3.1 405B.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 3.1 405B | Magistral Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $2.00/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $5.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | flagship | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textreasoning |
| Release Date | 7/23/2024 | 12/15/2025 |
Llama 3.1 405B vs Magistral Medium: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 3.1 405B and Magistral Medium depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Magistral Medium is the more affordable option at $2.00/1M input tokens — 43% cheaper than Llama 3.1 405B.
These models come from different providers — Meta (via Together AI) and Mistral AI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Meta (via Together AI), switching to Mistral AIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Llama 3.1 405B is a flagship model while Magistral Medium is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Llama 3.1 405B is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while Magistral Medium offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Llama 3.1 405B charges $3.50/1M output tokens vs $5.00 for Magistral Medium. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Magistral Medium has the edge here at $5.00/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Llama 3.1 405B when:
- • You need more capabilities (code)
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
Choose Magistral Medium when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Llama 3.1 405B
- • Input pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Magistral Medium
Magistral Medium
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $5.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than Llama 3.1 405B
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Llama 3.1 405B (Meta (via Together AI))
Magistral Medium (Mistral AI)
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What is the context window difference between Llama 3.1 405B and Magistral Medium?▼
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