Looking for an honest OpenAI o1 vs OpenAI o3-mini comparison in 2026? We scored both ai language models on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the OpenAI o3-mini comes out ahead 58/100 to 66/100 — a 8-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the OpenAI o1 pulls noticeably ahead.
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OpenAI o3-mini narrowly beats the OpenAI o1 in the ai language models category, especially in value, scoring 66 vs 58. If you want the better overall ai language models, OpenAI o3-mini is the recommended choice.
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 | OpenAI o1 | OpenAI o3-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $15.00/1M | ✓$1.10/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $60.00/1M | ✓$4.40/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | Proprietary |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | OpenAI o1 | OpenAI o3-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 100,000 tok | 100,000 tok |
| Speed | 40 tok/s | ✓80 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | 5.0s | ✓2.0s |
| Languages | 50+ | 50+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
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| Feature | OpenAI o1 | OpenAI o3-mini |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | OpenAI o1 | OpenAI o3-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2023-10 | 2023-10 |
| Best For | reasoningmathsciencecomplex coding | reasoningcodingmathcost efficiency |
Buy OpenAI o1 if…
The OpenAI o1 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy OpenAI o3-mini if…
Buy the OpenAI o3-mini if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
OpenAI o3-mini narrowly beats the OpenAI o1 in the ai language models category, especially in value, scoring 66 vs 58. If you want the better overall ai language models, OpenAI o3-mini is the recommended choice.
No, OpenAI o3-mini scores higher (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
The OpenAI o1 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the OpenAI o3-mini if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.