Model Comparison
GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5 nanoWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-5 mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-5 nano is 5.0x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5 nano — which is better?
GPT-5 mini (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-5 mini outperforms in 5 benchmarks (AIME 2025, FrontierMath, GPQA, HMMT 2025, Humanity's Last Exam), while GPT-5 nano is better at 0 benchmarks. GPT-5 mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-5 nano is roughly 5.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Choose GPT-5 mini if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 5 of 5 shared benchmarks
Choose GPT-5 nano if…
- cost matters — it's about 5.0x cheaper per token
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-5 mini outperforms in 5 benchmarks (AIME 2025, FrontierMath, GPQA, HMMT 2025, Humanity's Last Exam), while GPT-5 nano is better at 0 benchmarks.
GPT-5 mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-5 mini ($0.25/1M tokens) is 5.0x more expensive than GPT-5 nano ($0.05/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5 mini ($2.00/1M tokens) is 5.0x more expensive than GPT-5 nano ($0.40/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5 mini 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
Both models have the same input context window of 400,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 128,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-5 mini and GPT-5 nano support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-5 mini
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
Both models were released on 2025-08-07.
They likely represent similar generations of model development.
Aug 7, 2025
10 months ago
Aug 7, 2025
10 months ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Both models have the same knowledge cutoff date of 2024-05-30.
They should have similar awareness of historical events and information up to this date.
May 2024
May 2024
Provider Availability
GPT-5 mini is available from OpenAI. GPT-5 nano is available from OpenAI.
GPT-5 mini
GPT-5 nano
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-5 mini
View detailsOpenAI
GPT-5 nano
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5 nano.