Model Comparison

GLM-5 vs GPT-4.1 nanoWhich is better in 2026?

Comparing GLM-5 and GPT-4.1 nano across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.

Verdict: GLM-5 vs GPT-4.1 nano — which is better?

GLM-5 (by Zhipu AI) and GPT-4.1 nano (by OpenAI) are two of the AI models people compare most. Here is how they stack up on benchmarks, price and capabilities, and which one to pick in 2026.

On price, GPT-4.1 nano is roughly 8.9x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

GPT-4.1 nano also accepts a larger context window (1,047,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose GLM-5 if…

  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026
  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Choose GPT-4.1 nano if…

  • cost matters — it's about 8.9x cheaper per token
  • you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
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Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

No common benchmarks found

GLM-5 and GPT-4.1 nano don't have any common benchmark datasets to compare. They may have been evaluated on different testing suites.

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

GPT-4.1 nano costs less

For input processing, GLM-5 ($1.00/1M tokens) is 10.0x more expensive than GPT-4.1 nano ($0.10/1M tokens).

For output processing, GLM-5 ($3.20/1M tokens) is 8.0x more expensive than GPT-4.1 nano ($0.40/1M tokens).

In conclusion, GLM-5 is more expensive than GPT-4.1 nano.*

* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens

Lowest available price from all providers
Sun Jun 07 2026 • llm-stats.com
Zhipu AI
GLM-5
Input tokens$1.00
Output tokens$3.20
Best providerFriendliAI
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input tokens$0.10
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GPT-4.1 nano accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to GLM-5's 200,000 tokens. GLM-5 can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while GPT-4.1 nano is limited to 32,768 tokens.

Zhipu AI
GLM-5
Input200,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input1,047,576 tokens
Output32,768 tokens
Sun Jun 07 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

GPT-4.1 nano supports multimodal inputs, whereas GLM-5 does not.

GPT-4.1 nano can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.

GLM-5

Text
Images
Audio
Video

GPT-4.1 nano

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

GLM-5 is licensed under MIT, while GPT-4.1 nano uses a proprietary license.

License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.

GLM-5

MIT

Open weights

GPT-4.1 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

GLM-5 was released on 2026-02-11, while GPT-4.1 nano was released on 2025-04-14.

GLM-5 is 10 months newer than GPT-4.1 nano.

GLM-5

Feb 11, 2026

3 months ago

10mo newer
GPT-4.1 nano

Apr 14, 2025

1.1 years ago

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

GPT-4.1 nano has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while GLM-5's cutoff date is not specified.

We can confirm GPT-4.1 nano's training data extends to 2024-05-31, but cannot make a direct comparison without GLM-5's cutoff date.

GLM-5

—

GPT-4.1 nano

May 2024

Provider Availability

GLM-5 is available from FriendliAI, ZAI. GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI.

GLM-5

friendli logo
FriendliAI
Input Price:Input: $1.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $3.20/1M
z logo
Unknown Organization
Input Price:Input: $1.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $3.20/1M

GPT-4.1 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.10/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

Zhipu AI
Has open weights
OpenAI
Larger context window (1,047,576 tokens)
Supports multimodal inputs
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
Zhipu AI
GLM-5
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano

FAQ

Common questions about GLM-5 vs GPT-4.1 nano.

Which is better, GLM-5 or GPT-4.1 nano?

GLM-5 (Zhipu AI) and GPT-4.1 nano (OpenAI) each have strengths in different areas. Compare their benchmark scores, pricing, context windows, and capabilities above to determine which fits your needs.

How does GLM-5 compare to GPT-4.1 nano in benchmarks?

GLM-5 scores t2-bench: 89.7%, SWE-Bench Verified: 77.8%, BrowseComp: 75.9%, MCP Atlas: 67.8%, Terminal-Bench 2.0: 56.2%. GPT-4.1 nano scores MMLU: 80.1%, IFEval: 74.5%, CharXiv-D: 73.9%, MMMLU: 66.9%, Multi-IF: 57.2%.

Is GLM-5 cheaper than GPT-4.1 nano?

GPT-4.1 nano is 10.0x cheaper for input tokens. GLM-5 costs $1.00/M input and $3.20/M output via friendli. GPT-4.1 nano costs $0.10/M input and $0.40/M output via openai.

What are the context window sizes for GLM-5 and GPT-4.1 nano?

GLM-5 supports 200K tokens and GPT-4.1 nano supports 1.0M tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between GLM-5 and GPT-4.1 nano?

Key differences include context window (200K vs 1.0M), input pricing ($1.00 vs $0.10/M), multimodal support (no vs yes), licensing (MIT vs Proprietary). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes GLM-5 and GPT-4.1 nano?

GLM-5 is developed by Zhipu AI and GPT-4.1 nano is developed by OpenAI.

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