GLM-4.6 vs Grok-3
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. GLM-4.6 is 6.6x cheaper per token.
Zhipu AI · xAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GLM-4.6 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (AIME 2025), while Grok-3 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
On price, GLM-4.6 is roughly 6.6x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GLM-4.6 also accepts a larger context window (131,072 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current benchmark, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GLM-4.6
- cost matters — it's about 6.6x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 131,072 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Sep 2025
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose Grok-3
- you want predictable pricing at $3.00/M input and $15.00/M output
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GLM-4.6 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (AIME 2025), while Grok-3 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Playground indexes and blind preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GLM-4.6 ($0.55/1M tokens) is 5.5x cheaper than Grok-3 ($3.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GLM-4.6 ($2.00/1M tokens) is 7.5x cheaper than Grok-3 ($15.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Grok-3 is more expensive than GLM-4.6.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GLM-4.6 accepts 131,072 input tokens compared to Grok-3's 128,000 tokens. GLM-4.6 can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while Grok-3 is limited to 8,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GLM-4.6 and Grok-3 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GLM-4.6
Grok-3
License
Usage and distribution terms
GLM-4.6 is licensed under MIT, while Grok-3 uses a proprietary license.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
MIT
Open weights
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GLM-4.6 was released on 2025-09-30, while Grok-3 was released on 2025-02-17.
GLM-4.6 is 8 months newer than Grok-3.
Sep 30, 2025
10 months ago
7mo newerFeb 17, 2025
1.5 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Grok-3 has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-11-17, while GLM-4.6's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm Grok-3's training data extends to 2024-11-17, but cannot make a direct comparison without GLM-4.6's cutoff date.
—
Nov 2024
Provider Availability
GLM-4.6 is available from Fireworks, DeepInfra. Grok-3 is available from xAI.
GLM-4.6
Grok-3
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GLM-4.6 and Grok-3 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GLM-4.6 vs Grok-3.