Model Comparison

GPT-5 nano vs Grok-3 MiniWhich is better in 2026?

Grok-3 Mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-5 nano is 2.5x cheaper per token.

Verdict: GPT-5 nano vs Grok-3 Mini — which is better?

GPT-5 nano (by OpenAI) and Grok-3 Mini (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-5 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok-3 Mini is better at 2 benchmarks (AIME 2025, GPQA). Grok-3 Mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

On price, GPT-5 nano is roughly 2.5x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

GPT-5 nano also accepts a larger context window (400,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose GPT-5 nano if…

  • cost matters — it's about 2.5x 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 Grok-3 Mini if…

  • you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 2 of 2 shared benchmarks
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Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

2 benchmarks

GPT-5 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok-3 Mini is better at 2 benchmarks (AIME 2025, GPQA).

Grok-3 Mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Mon Jun 08 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

GPT-5 nano costs less

For input processing, GPT-5 nano ($0.05/1M tokens) is 6.0x cheaper than Grok-3 Mini ($0.30/1M tokens).

For output processing, GPT-5 nano ($0.40/1M tokens) is 1.3x cheaper than Grok-3 Mini ($0.50/1M tokens).

In conclusion, Grok-3 Mini is more expensive than GPT-5 nano.*

* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens

Lowest available price from all providers
Mon Jun 08 2026 • llm-stats.com
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input tokens$0.05
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
xAI
Grok-3 Mini
Input tokens$0.30
Output tokens$0.50
Best providerxAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GPT-5 nano accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to Grok-3 Mini's 128,000 tokens. GPT-5 nano can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while Grok-3 Mini is limited to 8,000 tokens.

OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input400,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
xAI
Grok-3 Mini
Input128,000 tokens
Output8,000 tokens
Mon Jun 08 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

Both GPT-5 nano and Grok-3 Mini support multimodal inputs.

They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.

GPT-5 nano

Text
Images
Audio
Video

Grok-3 Mini

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.

Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.

GPT-5 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

Grok-3 Mini

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

GPT-5 nano was released on 2025-08-07, while Grok-3 Mini was released on 2025-02-17.

GPT-5 nano is 6 months newer than Grok-3 Mini.

GPT-5 nano

Aug 7, 2025

10 months ago

5mo newer
Grok-3 Mini

Feb 17, 2025

1.3 years ago

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

GPT-5 nano has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-30, while Grok-3 Mini has a cutoff of 2024-11-17.

Grok-3 Mini has more recent training data (up to 2024-11-17), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-5 nano (2024-05-30).

GPT-5 nano

May 2024

Grok-3 Mini

Nov 2024

6 mo newer

Provider Availability

GPT-5 nano is available from OpenAI. Grok-3 Mini is available from xAI.

GPT-5 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.05/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M

Grok-3 Mini

xai logo
xAI
Input Price:Input: $0.30/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.50/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

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Key Takeaways

OpenAI
Larger context window (400,000 tokens)
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens
xAI
Higher AIME 2025 score (90.8% vs 85.2%)
Higher GPQA score (84.0% vs 71.2%)
OpenAIGPT-5 nano
xAIGrok-3 Mini
Compare in Playground

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
xAI
Grok-3 Mini

FAQ

Common questions about GPT-5 nano vs Grok-3 Mini.

Which is better, GPT-5 nano or Grok-3 Mini?

Grok-3 Mini significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-5 nano is made by OpenAI and Grok-3 Mini is made by xAI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does GPT-5 nano compare to Grok-3 Mini in benchmarks?

GPT-5 nano scores AIME 2025: 85.2%, HMMT 2025: 75.6%, GPQA: 71.2%, FrontierMath: 9.6%, Humanity's Last Exam: 8.7%. Grok-3 Mini scores AIME 2024: 95.8%, AIME 2025: 90.8%, GPQA: 84.0%, LiveCodeBench: 80.4%.

Is GPT-5 nano cheaper than Grok-3 Mini?

GPT-5 nano is 6.0x cheaper for input tokens. GPT-5 nano costs $0.05/M input and $0.40/M output via openai. Grok-3 Mini costs $0.30/M input and $0.50/M output via xai.

What are the context window sizes for GPT-5 nano and Grok-3 Mini?

GPT-5 nano supports 400K tokens and Grok-3 Mini supports 128K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between GPT-5 nano and Grok-3 Mini?

Key differences include context window (400K vs 128K), input pricing ($0.05 vs $0.30/M). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes GPT-5 nano and Grok-3 Mini?

GPT-5 nano is developed by OpenAI and Grok-3 Mini is developed by xAI.

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