GPT-4.1 mini vs Kimi K2.6
Kimi K2.6 leads the LLM Stats Score 43.2 to 13.3. GPT-4.1 mini is 2.1x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · Moonshot AI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
Kimi K2.6 leads the overall LLM Stats Score 43.2 to 13.3, ranking #59 overall.
In the 4 individual benchmarks reported for both models, Kimi K2.6 wins 4; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, GPT-4.1 mini is roughly 2.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-4.1 mini also accepts a larger context window (1,047,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-4.1 mini
- cost matters — it's about 2.1x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
Choose Kimi K2.6
- overall performance matters — it scores 43.2 and ranks #59 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning and coding — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 4 of 4 exact shared results
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
28 reported for GPT-4.1 mini · 28 for Kimi K2.6
GPT-4.1 mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Kimi K2.6 is better at 4 benchmarks (CharXiv-R, GPQA, Humanity's Last Exam, SWE-Bench Verified).
Kimi K2.6 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4.1 mini ($0.40/1M tokens) is 1.9x cheaper than Kimi K2.6 ($0.75/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4.1 mini ($1.60/1M tokens) is 2.2x cheaper than Kimi K2.6 ($3.50/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Kimi K2.6 is more expensive than GPT-4.1 mini.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-4.1 mini accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to Kimi K2.6's 262,144 tokens. Kimi K2.6 can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while GPT-4.1 mini is limited to 32,768 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both GPT-4.1 mini and Kimi K2.6 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4.1 mini
Kimi K2.6
License
Usage and distribution terms
GPT-4.1 mini is licensed under a proprietary license, while Kimi K2.6 uses Modified MIT License.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
Proprietary
Closed source
Modified MIT License
Open weights
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GPT-4.1 mini was released on 2025-04-14, while Kimi K2.6 was released on 2026-04-20.
Kimi K2.6 is 12 months newer than GPT-4.1 mini.
Apr 14, 2025
1.6 years ago
Apr 20, 2026
6 months ago
1.0yr newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4.1 mini has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while Kimi K2.6's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-4.1 mini's training data extends to 2024-05-31, but cannot make a direct comparison without Kimi K2.6's cutoff date.
May 2024
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Provider Availability
GPT-4.1 mini is available from OpenAI. Kimi K2.6 is available from DeepInfra, Fireworks, Moonshot AI, Novita, Together.
GPT-4.1 mini
Kimi K2.6
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-4.1 mini and Kimi K2.6 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4.1 mini vs Kimi K2.6.