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xAI: Grok 3 vs OpenAI: GPT-5.1

Head-to-head API cost, context, and performance comparison. Synced at 9:53:36 AM.

Executive Summary

When evaluating xAI: Grok 3 against OpenAI: GPT-5.1, the pricing structure is a key differentiator. OpenAI: GPT-5.1 is approximately 38% more cost-effective per 1 million tokens overall.

However, when looking at raw reasoning capabilities, xAI: Grok 3 leads with a statistical ELO score of 1320. For tasks involving complex logic, coding, or instruction-following, developers might prefer xAI: Grok 3, provided their budget allows for the API burn rate.

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Raw Technical comparison

Metric
xAI: Grok 3
OpenAI: GPT-5.1
Performance (ELO)
1320
1300
Input Cost / 1M
$3.00
$1.25
Output Cost / 1M
$15.00
$10.00
Context Window
131,072 tokens
400,000 tokens

Verdict

If you are looking for pure performance and capability, xAI: Grok 3 is statistically superior. However, if API burn rate is the primary concern, OpenAI: GPT-5.1 wins out aggressively in pricing.

People Also Ask

Is xAI: Grok 3 cheaper than OpenAI: GPT-5.1?

No. OpenAI: GPT-5.1 is the more cost-effective model, operating at a lower price point per 1 million tokens.

Which model has the larger context window?

The OpenAI: GPT-5.1 model has the advantage in memory, offering a massive 400,000 token limit for document ingestion.

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