Model Comparison
GPT-4o mini vs Grok-4Which is better in 2026?
Grok-4 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4o mini is 22.9x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4o mini vs Grok-4 — which is better?
GPT-4o mini (by OpenAI) and Grok-4 (by xAI) 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-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok-4 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Grok-4 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o mini is roughly 22.9x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Grok-4 also accepts a larger context window (256,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4o mini if…
- cost matters — it's about 22.9x cheaper per token
Choose Grok-4 if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you process long inputs — it offers a 256,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2025
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok-4 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
Grok-4 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4o mini ($0.15/1M tokens) is 20.0x cheaper than Grok-4 ($3.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4o mini ($0.60/1M tokens) is 25.0x cheaper than Grok-4 ($15.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Grok-4 is more expensive than GPT-4o mini.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Grok-4 accepts 256,000 input tokens compared to GPT-4o mini's 128,000 tokens. GPT-4o mini can generate longer responses up to 16,384 tokens, while Grok-4 is limited to 8,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4o mini and Grok-4 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4o mini
Grok-4
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-4o mini was released on 2024-07-18, while Grok-4 was released on 2025-07-09.
Grok-4 is 12 months newer than GPT-4o mini.
Jul 18, 2024
1.9 years ago
Jul 9, 2025
11 months ago
11mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4o mini has a knowledge cutoff of 2023-10-01, while Grok-4 has a cutoff of 2024-12-31.
Grok-4 has more recent training data (up to 2024-12-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4o mini (2023-10-01).
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
1.2 yr newerProvider Availability
GPT-4o mini is available from Azure. Grok-4 is available from xAI.
GPT-4o mini
Grok-4
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4o mini
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-4o mini and Grok-4 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4o mini vs Grok-4.