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

1 benchmarks

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.

Mon Jun 15 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

GPT-5 nano costs less

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

Lowest available price from all providers
Mon Jun 15 2026 • llm-stats.com
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input tokens$0.10
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input tokens$0.05
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue

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.

OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input1,047,576 tokens
Output32,768 tokens
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input400,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
Mon Jun 15 2026 • llm-stats.com

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

Text
Images
Audio
Video

GPT-5 nano

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.

Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.

GPT-4.1 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

GPT-5 nano

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.

GPT-4.1 nano

Apr 14, 2025

1.2 years ago

GPT-5 nano

Aug 7, 2025

10 months ago

3mo newer

Knowledge 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).

GPT-4.1 nano

May 2024

GPT-5 nano

May 2024

Provider Availability

GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI. GPT-5 nano is available from OpenAI.

GPT-4.1 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.10/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M

GPT-5 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.05/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

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Key Takeaways

Larger context window (1,047,576 tokens)
Less expensive input tokens
Higher GPQA score (71.2% vs 50.3%)

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano

FAQ

Common questions about GPT-4.1 nano vs GPT-5 nano.

Which is better, GPT-4.1 nano or GPT-5 nano?

GPT-5 nano significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4.1 nano is made by OpenAI and GPT-5 nano is made by OpenAI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does GPT-4.1 nano compare to GPT-5 nano in benchmarks?

GPT-4.1 nano scores MMLU: 80.1%, IFEval: 74.5%, CharXiv-D: 73.9%, MMMLU: 66.9%, Multi-IF: 57.2%. GPT-5 nano scores AIME 2025: 85.2%, HMMT 2025: 75.6%, GPQA: 71.2%, FrontierMath: 9.6%, Humanity's Last Exam: 8.7%.

Is GPT-4.1 nano cheaper than GPT-5 nano?

GPT-5 nano is 2.0x cheaper for input tokens. GPT-4.1 nano costs $0.10/M input and $0.40/M output via openai. GPT-5 nano costs $0.05/M input and $0.40/M output via openai.

What are the context window sizes for GPT-4.1 nano and GPT-5 nano?

GPT-4.1 nano supports 1.0M tokens and GPT-5 nano supports 400K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between GPT-4.1 nano and GPT-5 nano?

Key differences include context window (1.0M vs 400K), input pricing ($0.10 vs $0.05/M). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.