Model Comparison
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct vs Qwen3 30B A3BWhich is better in 2026?
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. Qwen3 30B A3B is 1.3x cheaper per token.
Verdict: Llama 3.1 70B Instruct vs Qwen3 30B A3B — which is better?
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct (by Meta) and Qwen3 30B A3B (by Alibaba Cloud / Qwen Team) 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.
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct outperforms in 1 benchmarks (BFCL), while Qwen3 30B A3B is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
On price, Qwen3 30B A3B is roughly 1.3x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Choose Llama 3.1 70B Instruct if…
- you want predictable pricing at $0.20/M input and $0.20/M output
Choose Qwen3 30B A3B if…
- cost matters — it's about 1.3x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2025
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct outperforms in 1 benchmarks (BFCL), while Qwen3 30B A3B is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, Llama 3.1 70B Instruct ($0.20/1M tokens) is 2.0x more expensive than Qwen3 30B A3B ($0.10/1M tokens).
For output processing, Llama 3.1 70B Instruct ($0.20/1M tokens) is 1.5x cheaper than Qwen3 30B A3B ($0.30/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Llama 3.1 70B Instruct is more expensive than Qwen3 30B A3B.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Model Size
Parameter count comparison
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct has 39.5B more parameters than Qwen3 30B A3B, making it 129.5% larger.
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 128,000 tokens.
License
Usage and distribution terms
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct is licensed under Llama 3.1 Community License, while Qwen3 30B A3B uses Apache 2.0.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
Llama 3.1 Community License
Open weights
Apache 2.0
Open weights
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct was released on 2024-07-23, while Qwen3 30B A3B was released on 2025-04-29.
Qwen3 30B A3B is 9 months newer than Llama 3.1 70B Instruct.
Jul 23, 2024
1.9 years ago
Apr 29, 2025
1.1 years ago
9mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct is available from Lambda, DeepInfra, Hyperbolic, Groq, Cerebras, Together, Fireworks, Bedrock, Sambanova. Qwen3 30B A3B is available from DeepInfra, Novita, Fireworks.
Llama 3.1 70B Instruct
Qwen3 30B A3B
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
Qwen3 30B A3B
View detailsAlibaba Cloud / Qwen Team
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about Llama 3.1 70B Instruct vs Qwen3 30B A3B.