GPT-5 mini vs o1-preview
GPT-5 mini leads the LLM Stats Score 27.3 to 16.6. GPT-5 mini is 38.2x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-5 mini leads the overall LLM Stats Score 27.3 to 16.6, ranking #150 overall.
In the 1 individual benchmarks reported for both models, GPT-5 mini wins 1; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, GPT-5 mini is roughly 38.2x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-5 mini also accepts a larger context window (400,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-5 mini
- overall performance matters — it scores 27.3 and ranks #150 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 1 of 1 exact shared results
- cost matters — it's about 38.2x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 400,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2025
Choose o1-preview
- you want predictable pricing at $15.00/M input and $60.00/M output
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 · 8 for o1-preview
GPT-5 mini outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while o1-preview is better at 0 benchmarks.
GPT-5 mini 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 60.0x cheaper than o1-preview ($15.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5 mini ($2.00/1M tokens) is 30.0x cheaper than o1-preview ($60.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, o1-preview 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
GPT-5 mini accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to o1-preview's 128,000 tokens. GPT-5 mini can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while o1-preview is limited to 32,768 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
GPT-5 mini supports multimodal inputs, whereas o1-preview does not.
GPT-5 mini can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
GPT-5 mini
o1-preview
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 o1-preview was released on 2024-09-12.
GPT-5 mini is 11 months newer than o1-preview.
Aug 7, 2025
1.1 years ago
10mo newerSep 12, 2024
2.0 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-5 mini has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-30, while o1-preview's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-5 mini's training data extends to 2024-05-30, but cannot make a direct comparison without o1-preview's cutoff date.
May 2024
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Provider Availability
GPT-5 mini is available from OpenAI. o1-preview is available from OpenAI, Azure.
GPT-5 mini
o1-preview
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5 mini and o1-preview side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5 mini vs o1-preview.