GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5.1
GPT-5.1 leads the LLM Stats Score 36.3 to 27.3. GPT-5 mini is 5.0x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-5.1 leads the overall LLM Stats Score 36.3 to 27.3, ranking #80 overall.
In the 3 individual benchmarks reported for both models, GPT-5.1 wins 3; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, GPT-5 mini is roughly 5.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-5 mini
- cost matters — it's about 5.0x cheaper per token
Choose GPT-5.1
- overall performance matters — it scores 36.3 and ranks #80 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 3 of 3 exact shared results
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Nov 2025
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
5 reported for GPT-5 mini · 9 for GPT-5.1
GPT-5 mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5.1 is better at 3 benchmarks (AIME 2025, FrontierMath, GPQA).
GPT-5.1 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-5 mini ($0.25/1M tokens) is 5.0x cheaper than GPT-5.1 ($1.25/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5 mini ($2.00/1M tokens) is 5.0x cheaper than GPT-5.1 ($10.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.1 is more expensive than GPT-5 mini.*
* 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
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both GPT-5 mini and GPT-5.1 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-5 mini
GPT-5.1
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-5 mini was released on 2025-08-07, while GPT-5.1 was released on 2025-11-13.
GPT-5.1 is 3 months newer than GPT-5 mini.
Aug 7, 2025
1.1 years ago
Nov 13, 2025
10 months ago
3mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-5 mini has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-30, while GPT-5.1 has a cutoff of 2024-09-30.
GPT-5.1 has more recent training data (up to 2024-09-30), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-5 mini (2024-05-30).
May 2024
Sep 2024
4 mo newerProvider Availability
GPT-5 mini is available from OpenAI. GPT-5.1 is available from OpenAI.
GPT-5 mini
GPT-5.1
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5 mini and GPT-5.1 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5 mini vs GPT-5.1.