Llama 4 Scout vs Ministral 3 8B
Llama 4 Scout vs Ministral 3 8B: Llama 4 Scout is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.08/M vs $0.15/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
Ministral 3 8B
Cost Differences
Ministral 3 8B costs less than Llama 4 Scout
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Ministral 3 8B. At the default workload, Ministral 3 8B saves about $0.015/month ($0.1825/year) versus Llama 4 Scout.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 4 Scout | Ministral 3 8B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.08/1M tokens | $0.15/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.30/1M tokens | $0.15/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 10,000,000 tokens | 256,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | efficient | efficient |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | textvision |
| Release Date | 4/5/2025 | 12/2/2025 |
Llama 4 Scout vs Ministral 3 8B: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 4 Scout and Ministral 3 8B depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Ministral 3 8B is the more affordable option at $0.15/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, Llama 4 Scout offers a significantly larger context window at 10,000,000 tokens vs 256,000 for Ministral 3 8B.
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.
Both models are in the efficient category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: Ministral 3 8B would save you roughly $1.50/month compared to Llama 4 Scout. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Llama 4 Scout charges $0.30/1M output tokens vs $0.15 for Ministral 3 8B. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Ministral 3 8B has the edge here at $0.15/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Both models support vision (image understanding), so you can send images alongside text prompts with either option.
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 (code)
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose Ministral 3 8B when:
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
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
- • Higher output cost than Ministral 3 8B
Ministral 3 8B
- • Input pricing: $0.15/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.15/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input 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))
Ministral 3 8B (Mistral AI)
Start using Llama 4 Scout today
Sign Up for Meta (via Together AI) →Start using Ministral 3 8B today
Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Llama 4 Scout or Ministral 3 8B?▼
What is the context window difference between Llama 4 Scout and Ministral 3 8B?▼
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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