GPT-5.1 High vs GPT-5.1 Thinking
GPT-5.1 High has a slight edge in benchmark performance. GPT-5.1 High and GPT-5.1 Thinking cost the same.
OpenAI · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-5.1 High outperforms in 1 benchmarks (AIME 2025), while GPT-5.1 Thinking is better at 0 benchmarks. GPT-5.1 High has a slight edge in benchmark performance.
Based on current benchmark, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-5.1 High
- you want predictable pricing at $1.25/M input and $10.00/M output
Choose GPT-5.1 Thinking
- you want predictable pricing at $1.25/M input and $10.00/M output
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-5.1 High outperforms in 1 benchmarks (AIME 2025), while GPT-5.1 Thinking is better at 0 benchmarks.
GPT-5.1 High has a slight edge in benchmark performance.
Arena Performance
Playground indexes and blind preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-5.1 High ($1.25/1M tokens) costs the same as GPT-5.1 Thinking ($1.25/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5.1 High ($10.00/1M tokens) costs the same as GPT-5.1 Thinking ($10.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.1 High and GPT-5.1 Thinking cost the same.*
* 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-5.1 High and GPT-5.1 Thinking support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-5.1 High
GPT-5.1 Thinking
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 2025-11-12.
They likely represent similar generations of model development.
Nov 12, 2025
9 months ago
Nov 12, 2025
9 months ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
GPT-5.1 High is available from OpenAI. GPT-5.1 Thinking is available from OpenAI.
GPT-5.1 High
GPT-5.1 Thinking
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5.1 High and GPT-5.1 Thinking side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5.1 High vs GPT-5.1 Thinking.