GPT-5.5 vs Grok 3 Mini
GPT-5.5 (2026) and Grok 3 Mini (2025) are frontier reasoning models from OpenAI and xAI. GPT-5.5 ships a 1.05m-token context window, while Grok 3 Mini ships a 131k-token context window. On pricing, GPT-5.5 ranges from $5 to $8/1M input tokens by tier; Grok 3 Mini costs $0.25/1M input tokens. This comparison covers specs, pricing, API access, capabilities, benchmarks, input and output token costs, and production fit for coding and agent workloads.
GPT-5.5 fits 8x more tokens; pick it for long-context work and Grok 3 Mini for tighter calls.
Decision scorecard
Local evidence first| Signal | GPT-5.5 | Grok 3 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | reasoning-heavy apps, multimodal apps, and tool-calling agents | multimodal apps and provider-routed production |
| Decision fit | Coding, RAG, and Agents | RAG, Long context, and Vision |
| Context window | 1.05m | 131k |
| Cheapest output | $30/1M tokens | $1.27/1M tokens |
| Provider routes | 3 tracked | 2 tracked |
| Shared benchmarks | 0 rows | 0 rows |
Decision tradeoffs
- GPT-5.5 has the larger context window for long prompts, retrieval packs, or transcript analysis.
- GPT-5.5 has broader tracked provider coverage for fallback and procurement flexibility.
- GPT-5.5 uniquely exposes Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use in local model data.
- Local decision data tags GPT-5.5 for Coding, RAG, and Agents.
- Grok 3 Mini has the lower cheapest tracked output price at $1.27/1M tokens.
- Local decision data tags Grok 3 Mini for RAG, Long context, and Vision.
Monthly cost at traffic
Estimate token spend from the cheapest tracked input and output route or tier on this page.
GPT-5.5
$11,500
Cheapest tracked route/tier: OpenAI API 0-272K input tokens
Grok 3 Mini
$518
Cheapest tracked route/tier: Microsoft Foundry
Estimated monthly gap: $10,983. Batch, cache, alternate speed tiers, and negotiated pricing are excluded from this local estimate.
Switch friction
- Provider overlap exists on OpenRouter; start route-level A/B tests there.
- Grok 3 Mini is $28.73/1M tokens lower on cheapest tracked output pricing before cache, batch, or negotiated discounts.
- Check replacement coverage for Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use before moving production traffic.
- Provider overlap exists on OpenRouter; start route-level A/B tests there.
- GPT-5.5 is $28.73/1M tokens higher on cheapest tracked output pricing, so quality gains need to justify the spend.
- GPT-5.5 adds Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use in local capability data.
Specs
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2026-04-23 | 2025-02-17 |
| Context window | 1.05m | 131k |
| Parameters | — | — |
| Architecture | decoder only | - |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Openness | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Commercial use | Commercial use with conditions | Commercial use with conditions |
| Knowledge cutoff | 2025-12 | 2024-11 |
Pricing and availability
| Pricing attribute | GPT-5.5 | Grok 3 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Input price |
| $0.25/1M tokens |
| Output price |
| $1.27/1M tokens |
| Providers |
Capabilities
| Capability | GPT-5.5 | Grok 3 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Multimodal | Yes | Yes |
| Reasoning | Yes | No |
| Function calling | Yes | No |
| Tool use | Yes | No |
| Structured outputs | Yes | Yes |
| Code execution | Yes | No |
| IDE integration | No | No |
| Computer use | No | No |
| Parallel agents | No | No |
Benchmarks
No shared benchmark rows are currently sourced for this pair.
Deep dive
The capability footprint differs most on reasoning mode: GPT-5.5, function calling: GPT-5.5, tool use: GPT-5.5, and code execution: GPT-5.5. Both models share vision, multimodal input, and structured outputs, so the practical split is not just feature count. Use those differences to decide whether the page is about raw model quality, agentic coding support, multimodal ingestion, or predictable structured API behavior.
For cost, GPT-5.5 lists tiered pricing: 0-272K input tokens is $5/1M input and $30/1M output; 272K+ input tokens is $8/1M input and $36/1M output, while Grok 3 Mini lists $0.25/1M input and $1.27/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider. A 70/30 input-output blend puts Grok 3 Mini lower by about $11.94 per million blended tokens. For tiered rows, this cheapest-track view can understate interactive or fast-lane spend, so compare the tier you will actually use. Availability is 3 providers versus 2, so concentration risk also matters.
Choose GPT-5.5 when coding workflow support, larger context windows, and broader provider choice are central to the workload. Choose Grok 3 Mini when vision-heavy evaluation and lower input-token cost are more important. For production, rerun your own prompts through the exact provider, region, and tool stack you plan to ship.
FAQ
Which has a larger context window, GPT-5.5 or Grok 3 Mini?
GPT-5.5 supports 1.05m tokens, while Grok 3 Mini supports 131k tokens. That gap matters most for long documents, large codebases, retrieval-heavy agents, and conversations where earlier context must remain visible.
Which is cheaper, GPT-5.5 or Grok 3 Mini?
GPT-5.5 lists tiered pricing: 0-272K input tokens is $5/1M input and $30/1M output; 272K+ input tokens is $8/1M input and $36/1M output. Grok 3 Mini lists $0.25/1M input and $1.27/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider. Compare the tier you will actually use; cheap async pricing can overstate savings for interactive workflows. Provider discounts or batch pricing can still change the final bill.
Is GPT-5.5 or Grok 3 Mini open source?
GPT-5.5 is listed under Proprietary. Grok 3 Mini is listed under Proprietary. License labels affect whether you can self-host, redistribute weights, or rely only on hosted APIs, so confirm the upstream license before deployment.
Which is better for vision, GPT-5.5 or Grok 3 Mini?
Both GPT-5.5 and Grok 3 Mini expose vision. The better choice depends on benchmark fit, context budget, pricing, and whether your provider route exposes the same capability surface. Use this as a quick comparison signal, then confirm the provider-specific limits before committing to production.
Which is better for multimodal input, GPT-5.5 or Grok 3 Mini?
Both GPT-5.5 and Grok 3 Mini expose multimodal input. The better choice depends on benchmark fit, context budget, pricing, and whether your provider route exposes the same capability surface. Use this as a quick comparison signal, then confirm the provider-specific limits before committing to production.
Where can I run GPT-5.5 and Grok 3 Mini?
GPT-5.5 is available on OpenAI API, OpenRouter, and Vercel AI Gateway. Grok 3 Mini is available on OpenRouter and Microsoft Foundry. Provider coverage can affect latency, region availability, compliance posture, and fallback options.
Continue comparing
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08. Data sourced from public model cards and provider documentation.