Model Comparison
GPT-4o mini vs o4-miniWhich is better in 2026?
o4-mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4o mini is 7.3x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4o mini vs o4-mini — which is better?
GPT-4o mini (by OpenAI) and o4-mini (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-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while o4-mini is better at 4 benchmarks (GPQA, MathVista, MMMU, SWE-Bench Verified). o4-mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o mini is roughly 7.3x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
o4-mini also accepts a larger context window (200,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4o mini if…
- cost matters — it's about 7.3x cheaper per token
Choose o4-mini if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 4 of 4 shared benchmarks
- you process long inputs — it offers a 200,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2025
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while o4-mini is better at 4 benchmarks (GPQA, MathVista, MMMU, SWE-Bench Verified).
o4-mini 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 7.3x cheaper than o4-mini ($1.10/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4o mini ($0.60/1M tokens) is 7.3x cheaper than o4-mini ($4.40/1M tokens).
In conclusion, o4-mini 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
o4-mini accepts 200,000 input tokens compared to GPT-4o mini's 128,000 tokens. o4-mini can generate longer responses up to 100,000 tokens, while GPT-4o mini is limited to 16,384 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4o mini and o4-mini support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4o mini
o4-mini
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 o4-mini was released on 2025-04-16.
o4-mini is 9 months newer than GPT-4o mini.
Jul 18, 2024
1.9 years ago
Apr 16, 2025
1.2 years ago
9mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4o mini has a knowledge cutoff of 2023-10-01, while o4-mini has a cutoff of 2024-05-31.
o4-mini has more recent training data (up to 2024-05-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4o mini (2023-10-01).
Oct 2023
May 2024
7 mo newerProvider Availability
GPT-4o mini is available from Azure. o4-mini is available from OpenAI.
GPT-4o mini
o4-mini
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4o mini
View detailsOpenAI
o4-mini
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4o mini vs o4-mini.