Model Comparison
GPT-4 vs GPT-5 CodexWhich is better in 2026?
Comparing GPT-4 and GPT-5 Codex across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.
Verdict: GPT-4 vs GPT-5 Codex — which is better?
GPT-4 (by OpenAI) and GPT-5 Codex (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.
Choose GPT-4 if…
- you want predictable pricing at $30.00/M input and $60.00/M output
Choose GPT-5 Codex if…
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Sep 2025
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4 and GPT-5 Codexdon't have any common benchmark datasets to compare. They may have been evaluated on different testing suites.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Only GPT-4 specifies input context (32,768 tokens). Only GPT-4 specifies output context (32,768 tokens).
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
GPT-4 supports multimodal inputs, whereas GPT-5 Codex does not.
GPT-4 can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
GPT-4
GPT-5 Codex
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-5 Codex was released on 2025-09-15.
GPT-5 Codex is 28 months newer than GPT-4.
Jun 13, 2023
3.0 years ago
Sep 15, 2025
9 months ago
2.3yr newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4 has a knowledge cutoff of 2022-12-31, while GPT-5 Codex has a cutoff of 2024-09-30.
GPT-5 Codex has more recent training data (up to 2024-09-30), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4 (2022-12-31).
Dec 2022
Sep 2024
1.8 yr newerOutputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-5 Codex
View detailsOpenAI
No standout differentiators in the data we have for this pair.
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4 vs GPT-5 Codex.