Llama 4 Scout vs Magistral Small
Llama 4 Scout vs Magistral Small: Llama 4 Scout is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.08/M vs $0.50/M input tokens), while Llama 4 Scout is better for long-context tasks (10,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Llama 4 Scout for lower token spend and choose Llama 4 Scout 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 4 Scout
Magistral Small
Cost Differences
Magistral Small costs more than Llama 4 Scout
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Llama 4 Scout. At the default workload, Llama 4 Scout saves about $3.06/month ($37.23/year) versus Magistral Small.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 4 Scout | Magistral Small |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.08/1M tokens | $0.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.30/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 10,000,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 16,384 tokens |
| Category | efficient | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | textreasoning |
| Release Date | 4/5/2025 | 12/15/2025 |
Llama 4 Scout vs Magistral Small: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 4 Scout and Magistral Small depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Llama 4 Scout is the more affordable option at $0.08/1M input tokens — 84% cheaper than Magistral Small. Meanwhile, Llama 4 Scout offers a significantly larger context window at 10,000,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Magistral Small.
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 4 Scout is a efficient model while Magistral Small is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Magistral Small targets more demanding workloads, while Llama 4 Scout provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Llama 4 Scout charges $0.30/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Magistral Small. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Llama 4 Scout has the edge here at $0.30/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Llama 4 Scout supports vision (image inputs) while Magistral Small is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Llama 4 Scout when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (10,000,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision, code)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose Magistral Small when:
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Llama 4 Scout
- • Input pricing: $0.08/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.30/M tokens
- • Context window: 10,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Magistral Small
- • Input pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Llama 4 Scout
- • Higher output cost than Llama 4 Scout
- • Smaller context window than Llama 4 Scout
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Llama 4 Scout (Meta (via Together AI))
Magistral Small (Mistral AI)
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Llama 4 Scout or Magistral Small?▼
What is the context window difference between Llama 4 Scout and Magistral Small?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Meta (via Together AI) and Mistral AI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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