Model Comparison
GLM-5 vs Grok Code Fast 1Which is better in 2026?
GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. Grok Code Fast 1 is 3.0x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GLM-5 vs Grok Code Fast 1 — which is better?
GLM-5 (by Zhipu AI) and Grok Code Fast 1 (by xAI) 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 Grok Code Fast 1 is better at 0 benchmarks. GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, Grok Code Fast 1 is roughly 3.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Grok Code Fast 1 also accepts a larger context window (256,000 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 want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose Grok Code Fast 1 if…
- cost matters — it's about 3.0x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 256,000 token context window
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GLM-5 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (SWE-Bench Verified), while Grok Code Fast 1 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 5.0x more expensive than Grok Code Fast 1 ($0.20/1M tokens).
For output processing, GLM-5 ($3.20/1M tokens) is 2.1x more expensive than Grok Code Fast 1 ($1.50/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GLM-5 is more expensive than Grok Code Fast 1.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Grok Code Fast 1 accepts 256,000 input tokens compared to GLM-5's 200,000 tokens. GLM-5 can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while Grok Code Fast 1 is limited to 10,000 tokens.
License
Usage and distribution terms
GLM-5 is licensed under MIT, while Grok Code Fast 1 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 Grok Code Fast 1 was released on 2025-08-28.
GLM-5 is 6 months newer than Grok Code Fast 1.
Feb 11, 2026
5 months ago
5mo newerAug 28, 2025
11 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
GLM-5 is available from FriendliAI, ZAI. Grok Code Fast 1 is available from xAI.
GLM-5
Grok Code Fast 1
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GLM-5
View detailsZhipu AI
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GLM-5 and Grok Code Fast 1 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about GLM-5 vs Grok Code Fast 1.