Grok-3 vs Grok-3 Mini
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. Grok-3 Mini is 17.1x cheaper per token.
xAI · xAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
Grok-3 outperforms in 2 benchmarks (AIME 2025, GPQA), while Grok-3 Mini is better at 2 benchmarks (AIME 2024, LiveCodeBench). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
On price, Grok-3 Mini is roughly 17.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Based on current benchmark, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose Grok-3
- you want predictable pricing at $3.00/M input and $15.00/M output
Choose Grok-3 Mini
- cost matters — it's about 17.1x cheaper per token
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
Grok-3 outperforms in 2 benchmarks (AIME 2025, GPQA), while Grok-3 Mini is better at 2 benchmarks (AIME 2024, LiveCodeBench).
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Playground indexes and blind preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, Grok-3 ($3.00/1M tokens) is 10.0x more expensive than Grok-3 Mini ($0.30/1M tokens).
For output processing, Grok-3 ($15.00/1M tokens) is 30.0x more expensive than Grok-3 Mini ($0.50/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Grok-3 is more expensive than Grok-3 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 128,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 8,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both Grok-3 and Grok-3 Mini support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
Grok-3
Grok-3 Mini
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 2025-02-17.
They likely represent similar generations of model development.
Feb 17, 2025
1.5 years ago
Feb 17, 2025
1.5 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Both models have the same knowledge cutoff date of 2024-11-17.
They should have similar awareness of historical events and information up to this date.
Nov 2024
Nov 2024
Provider Availability
Grok-3 is available from xAI. Grok-3 Mini is available from xAI.
Grok-3
Grok-3 Mini
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against Grok-3 and Grok-3 Mini side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about Grok-3 vs Grok-3 Mini.