DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash vs MiniMax M3
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash leads the LLM Stats Score 51.8 to 41.4. DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is 1.5x cheaper per token.
DeepSeek · MiniMax · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash leads the overall LLM Stats Score 51.8 to 41.4, ranking #12 overall.
In the 2 individual benchmarks reported for both models, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash wins 2; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is roughly 1.5x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash also accepts a larger context window (1,040,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash
- overall performance matters — it scores 51.8 and ranks #12 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning and coding — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 2 of 2 exact shared results
- cost matters — it's about 1.5x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,040,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Sep 2026
Choose MiniMax M3
- you want predictable pricing at $0.28/M input and $1.10/M output
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
20 reported for DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash · 35 for MiniMax M3
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash outperforms in 2 benchmarks (NL2Repo, Terminal-Bench 2.1), while MiniMax M3 is better at 0 benchmarks.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash ($0.22/1M tokens) is 1.3x cheaper than MiniMax M3 ($0.28/1M tokens).
For output processing, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash ($0.66/1M tokens) is 1.7x cheaper than MiniMax M3 ($1.10/1M tokens).
In conclusion, MiniMax M3 is more expensive than DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Model Size
Parameter count comparison
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash has 335.2B more parameters than MiniMax M3, making it 78.3% larger.
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash accepts 1,040,000 input tokens compared to MiniMax M3's 524,288 tokens. MiniMax M3 can generate longer responses up to 524,288 tokens, while DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is limited to 393,216 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash and MiniMax M3 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash
MiniMax M3
License
Usage and distribution terms
Both models are licensed under MIT.
Both models share the same licensing terms, providing consistent usage rights.
MIT
Open weights
MIT
Open weights
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash was released on 2026-09-10, while MiniMax M3 was released on 2026-06-01.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is 3 months newer than MiniMax M3.
Sep 10, 2026
4 days ago
3mo newerJun 1, 2026
3 months ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is available from Fireworks, DeepInfra, DeepSeek, Novita. MiniMax M3 is available from DeepInfra, Fireworks, MiniMax, Novita, Together.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash
MiniMax M3
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash and MiniMax M3 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash vs MiniMax M3.