Looking for an honest Cohere Command R vs xAI Grok 3 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 xAI Grok 3 mini comes out ahead 36/100 to 68/100 — a 32-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the xAI Grok 3 mini pulls noticeably ahead.
Cohere
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xAI Grok 3 mini clearly outperforms the Cohere Command R in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 68 vs 36. If you want the better overall ai language models, xAI Grok 3 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.
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | Command R | 3 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | ✓$0.15/1M | $0.30/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $0.60/1M | ✓$0.50/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | Proprietary |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | Command R | 3 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 4,096 tok | ✓8,192 tok |
| Speed | 150 tok/s | 150 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | ✓400ms | 600ms |
| Languages | 10+ | ✓25+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
Command R
3 mini
Command R
3 mini
Command R
3 mini
Command R
3 mini
Command R
3 mini
| Feature | Command R | 3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAG Optimized | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | ✕ | ✕ |
| Field | Command R | 3 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Cohere | xAI |
| Parameters | 35B | — |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2024-03 | real-time |
| Best For | RAGenterprise searchcitationscost efficiency | reasoningcurrent eventscost efficiencySTEM |
Buy Cohere Command R if…
The Cohere Command R is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy xAI Grok 3 mini if…
Buy the xAI Grok 3 mini if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
xAI Grok 3 mini clearly outperforms the Cohere Command R in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 68 vs 36. If you want the better overall ai language models, xAI Grok 3 mini is the recommended choice.
No, xAI Grok 3 mini scores higher (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
The Cohere Command R is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the xAI Grok 3 mini if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: June 1, 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.