Model Comparison
GPT-4.1 nano vs GPT-5 nanoWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-5 nano significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-5 nano is 1.3x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4.1 nano vs GPT-5 nano — which is better?
GPT-4.1 nano (by OpenAI) and GPT-5 nano (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-4.1 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5 nano is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). GPT-5 nano significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-5 nano is roughly 1.3x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-4.1 nano also accepts a larger context window (1,047,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4.1 nano if…
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
Choose GPT-5 nano if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- cost matters — it's about 1.3x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2025
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4.1 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5 nano is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
GPT-5 nano significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.10/1M tokens) is 2.0x more expensive than GPT-5 nano ($0.05/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.40/1M tokens) costs the same as GPT-5 nano ($0.40/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-4.1 nano is more expensive than GPT-5 nano.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-4.1 nano accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to GPT-5 nano's 400,000 tokens. GPT-5 nano can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while GPT-4.1 nano is limited to 32,768 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4.1 nano and GPT-5 nano support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4.1 nano
GPT-5 nano
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-4.1 nano was released on 2025-04-14, while GPT-5 nano was released on 2025-08-07.
GPT-5 nano is 4 months newer than GPT-4.1 nano.
Apr 14, 2025
1.2 years ago
Aug 7, 2025
10 months ago
3mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4.1 nano has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while GPT-5 nano has a cutoff of 2024-05-30.
GPT-4.1 nano has more recent training data (up to 2024-05-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-5 nano (2024-05-30).
May 2024
May 2024
Provider Availability
GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI. GPT-5 nano is available from OpenAI.
GPT-4.1 nano
GPT-5 nano
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4.1 nano
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-5 nano
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4.1 nano vs GPT-5 nano.