Model Comparison
GPT-4 vs GPT-4oWhich is better in 2026?
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. GPT-4o is 8.6x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4 vs GPT-4o — which is better?
GPT-4 (by OpenAI) and GPT-4o (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.
GPT-4 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (MMLU), while GPT-4o is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o is roughly 8.6x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-4o also accepts a larger context window (128,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4 if…
- you want predictable pricing at $30.00/M input and $60.00/M output
Choose GPT-4o if…
- cost matters — it's about 8.6x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 128,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2024
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (MMLU), while GPT-4o is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4 ($30.00/1M tokens) is 12.0x more expensive than GPT-4o ($2.50/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4 ($60.00/1M tokens) is 6.0x more expensive than GPT-4o ($10.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-4 is more expensive than GPT-4o.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-4o accepts 128,000 input tokens compared to GPT-4's 32,768 tokens. GPT-4 can generate longer responses up to 32,768 tokens, while GPT-4o is limited to 16,384 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4 and GPT-4o support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4
GPT-4o
License
Usage and distribution terms
Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.
Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.
Proprietary
Closed source
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GPT-4 was released on 2023-06-13, while GPT-4o was released on 2024-08-06.
GPT-4o is 14 months newer than GPT-4.
Jun 13, 2023
3.0 years ago
Aug 6, 2024
1.9 years ago
1.2yr newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4 has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2022-12-31, while GPT-4o's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-4's training data extends to 2022-12-31, but cannot make a direct comparison without GPT-4o's cutoff date.
Dec 2022
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Provider Availability
GPT-4 is available from Azure, OpenAI. GPT-4o is available from Azure, OpenAI.
GPT-4
GPT-4o
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-4o
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4 vs GPT-4o.