Model Comparison
GLM-5 vs GPT-4o miniWhich is better in 2026?
GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4o mini is 5.9x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GLM-5 vs GPT-4o mini — which is better?
GLM-5 (by Zhipu AI) and GPT-4o mini (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.
GLM-5 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (SWE-Bench Verified), while GPT-4o mini is better at 0 benchmarks. GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o mini is roughly 5.9x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GLM-5 also accepts a larger context window (200,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GLM-5 if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you process long inputs — it offers a 200,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose GPT-4o mini if…
- cost matters — it's about 5.9x cheaper per token
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GLM-5 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (SWE-Bench Verified), while GPT-4o mini is better at 0 benchmarks.
GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GLM-5 ($1.00/1M tokens) is 6.7x more expensive than GPT-4o mini ($0.15/1M tokens).
For output processing, GLM-5 ($3.20/1M tokens) is 5.3x more expensive than GPT-4o mini ($0.60/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GLM-5 is more expensive than GPT-4o mini.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GLM-5 accepts 200,000 input tokens compared to GPT-4o mini's 128,000 tokens. GLM-5 can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while GPT-4o mini is limited to 16,384 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
GPT-4o mini supports multimodal inputs, whereas GLM-5 does not.
GPT-4o mini can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
GLM-5
GPT-4o mini
License
Usage and distribution terms
GLM-5 is licensed under MIT, while GPT-4o mini 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-5 was released on 2026-02-11, while GPT-4o mini was released on 2024-07-18.
GLM-5 is 19 months newer than GPT-4o mini.
Feb 11, 2026
3 months ago
1.6yr newerJul 18, 2024
1.9 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4o mini has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2023-10-01, while GLM-5's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-4o mini's training data extends to 2023-10-01, but cannot make a direct comparison without GLM-5's cutoff date.
—
Oct 2023
Provider Availability
GLM-5 is available from FriendliAI, ZAI. GPT-4o mini is available from Azure.
GLM-5
GPT-4o mini
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GLM-5
View detailsZhipu AI
GPT-4o mini
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GLM-5 vs GPT-4o mini.