xAI Grok 2 edges out the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, particularly in design, scoring 6.3/10 vs 5.4/10. If you want the better overall performer, xAI Grok 2 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the ai language modelscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $2.00/1M | ✓$0.10/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $10.00/1M | ✓$0.30/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | ✓ Free |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 4,096 tok | 4,096 tok |
| Speed | 100 tok/s | ✓200 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | 600ms | ✓250ms |
| Languages | ✓25+ | 12+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
Grok 2
Small 3
Grok 2
Small 3
Grok 2
Small 3
Grok 2
Small 3
Grok 2
Small 3
| Feature | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning / Chain-of-Thought | ✕ | ✕ |
| Vision (Image Input) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Audio Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Video Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Image/Audio Output | ✕ | ✕ |
| Function Calling / Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| JSON Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time Web Access | ✓ | ✕ |
| Fine-tuning Support | ✕ | ✓ |
| Batch API | ✕ | ✓ |
| Streaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✕ | ✓ |
| Field | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Parameters | — | 24B |
| Knowledge Cutoff | real-time | 2024-01 |
| License | Commercial | Apache 2.0 |
| Best For | current eventsresearchreal time infogeneral | cost efficiencyopen sourceself hostinghigh volume |
Buy xAI Grok 2 if…
Buy the xAI Grok 2 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if…
Choose the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
xAI Grok 2 edges out the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, particularly in design, scoring 6.3/10 vs 5.4/10. If you want the better overall performer, xAI Grok 2 is the clear pick.
Yes, xAI Grok 2 scores higher overall (8.5 vs 7.9).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
Buy the xAI Grok 2 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.