GLM-5.3 vs MiniMax M2
GLM-5.3 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. MiniMax M2 is 4.1x cheaper per token.
Zhipu AI · MiniMax · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GLM-5.3 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (Humanity's Last Exam), while MiniMax M2 is better at 0 benchmarks. GLM-5.3 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, MiniMax M2 is roughly 4.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Based on current benchmark, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GLM-5.3
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2026
Choose MiniMax M2
- cost matters — it's about 4.1x cheaper per token
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GLM-5.3 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (Humanity's Last Exam), while MiniMax M2 is better at 0 benchmarks.
GLM-5.3 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Playground indexes and blind preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GLM-5.3 ($1.40/1M tokens) is 4.7x more expensive than MiniMax M2 ($0.30/1M tokens).
For output processing, GLM-5.3 ($4.40/1M tokens) is 3.7x more expensive than MiniMax M2 ($1.20/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GLM-5.3 is more expensive than MiniMax M2.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Model Size
Parameter count comparison
GLM-5.3 has 523.0B more parameters than MiniMax M2, making it 227.4% larger.
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Both models have the same input context window of 1,000,000 tokens. MiniMax M2 can generate longer responses up to 1,000,000 tokens, while GLM-5.3 is limited to 128,000 tokens.
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GLM-5.3 was released on 2026-08-14, while MiniMax M2 was released on 2025-10-27.
GLM-5.3 is 10 months newer than MiniMax M2.
Aug 14, 2026
1 weeks ago
9mo newerOct 27, 2025
10 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-5.3 is available from ZAI. MiniMax M2 is available from MiniMax, Novita.
GLM-5.3
MiniMax M2
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GLM-5.3 and MiniMax M2 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GLM-5.3 vs MiniMax M2.