GPT-4.1 mini vs Claude Sonnet 4.6
Detailed pricing comparison and cost analysis.
Updated September 2026
Cost Simulator
| Feature | GPT-4.1 mini | Claude Sonnet 4.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | Anthropic |
| Input Price (1M) | $0.40 | $3.00 |
| Output Price (1M) | $1.60 | $15.00 |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
Verdict
GPT-4.1 mini costs $0.40 per 1M input tokens and $1.60 per 1M output tokens. Claude Sonnet 4.6 costs $3.00 per 1M input tokens and $15.00 per 1M output tokens. GPT-4.1 mini is 87% cheaper on input tokens than Claude Sonnet 4.6. For output tokens, GPT-4.1 mini is the more affordable option at $1.60/1M vs $15.00.
On context window, GPT-4.1 mini supports 1,000,000 tokens — meaning it can fit more conversation history, documents, or code in a single request. This matters for RAG pipelines, long document analysis, and agentic workflows where context builds up over many turns.
When to choose GPT-4.1 mini
- ✓ You need the lowest input token cost ($ 0.40/1M)
- ✓ Your workload is output-heavy — GPT-4.1 mini generates text cheaper
- ✓ You are already integrated with OpenAI
When to choose Claude Sonnet 4.6
- ✓ You are already integrated with Anthropic
Use the calculator above to simulate your specific workload and find the exact break-even point. For most applications, the cheapest model is the one that minimises your total monthly bill given your input-to-output token ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GPT-4.1 mini cheaper than Claude Sonnet 4.6? ▼
GPT-4.1 mini is cheaper on input tokens at $0.40/1M vs $3.00/1M for Claude Sonnet 4.6 — a 87% saving.
What is the context window of GPT-4.1 mini vs Claude Sonnet 4.6? ▼
GPT-4.1 mini has a 1,000,000-token context window. Claude Sonnet 4.6 has a 1,000,000-token context window. GPT-4.1 mini supports the larger context, suitable for longer documents and agentic workflows.
Which model is better: GPT-4.1 mini or Claude Sonnet 4.6? ▼
The best choice depends on your use case. For cost efficiency on input tokens, GPT-4.1 mini is the cheaper option. For maximum context length, GPT-4.1 mini supports 1,000,000 tokens. Use the comparison table above to find the right fit for your workload.