Model Comparison
GPT-4.5 vs GPT-4oWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-4.5 shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks. GPT-4o is 21.4x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4.5 vs GPT-4o — which is better?
GPT-4.5 (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-4.5 outperforms in 3 benchmarks (GPQA, MathVista, MMLU), while GPT-4o is better at 1 benchmark (HumanEval). GPT-4.5 shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o is roughly 21.4x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Choose GPT-4.5 if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 3 of 4 shared benchmarks
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2025
Choose GPT-4o if…
- cost matters — it's about 21.4x cheaper per token
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4.5 outperforms in 3 benchmarks (GPQA, MathVista, MMLU), while GPT-4o is better at 1 benchmark (HumanEval).
GPT-4.5 shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4.5 ($75.00/1M tokens) is 30.0x more expensive than GPT-4o ($2.50/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4.5 ($150.00/1M tokens) is 15.0x more expensive than GPT-4o ($10.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-4.5 is more expensive than GPT-4o.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Both models have the same input context window of 128,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 4,096 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4.5 and GPT-4o support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4.5
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-4.5 was released on 2025-02-27, while GPT-4o was released on 2024-05-13.
GPT-4.5 is 10 months newer than GPT-4o.
Feb 27, 2025
1.3 years ago
9mo newerMay 13, 2024
2.1 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
GPT-4.5 is available from OpenAI. GPT-4o is available from Azure, OpenAI.
GPT-4.5
GPT-4o
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4.5
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-4o
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-4.5GPT-4oDetailed Comparison
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4.5 vs GPT-4o.