Is GPT-5 mini cheaper than Claude Sonnet 4.6?
Yes, GPT-5 mini is primarily cheaper with a starting input price of $0.05/1M tokens, which is about 92% less than Claude Sonnet 4.6's $0.6/1M tokens.
GPT-5 mini
Starting at $0.05/1M tkns
VS
Claude Sonnet 4.6
Starting at $0.6/1M tkns
AI Overview: TL;DR
When comparing GPT-5 mini and Claude Sonnet 4.6 API pricing for 2026, GPT-5 mini is the more cost-effective option for basic input queries. It is approximately 92% cheaper starting at $0.05/1M tokens. However, your choice should also factor in context window limits (128k vs 200k) and supported modalities.
Technical Specifications & Pricing Table
| Feature | GPT-5 mini | Claude Sonnet 4.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Input Price | $0.05 / 1M tokens | $0.6 / 1M tokens |
| Model Category | GPT | Claude |
| Max Context Window | 128k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Supported Modalities | text, image | text, image |
| Routed Channels Count | 8 channels | 22 channels |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model has a larger context window?
GPT-5 mini supports a maximum input context of 128,000 tokens, while Claude Sonnet 4.6 supports 200,000 tokens.