Claude Sonnet 4 vs GPT-5 Nano
A side-by-side comparison of two multimodal models — real specs, pricing, strengths and weaknesses, and a clear verdict on which to choose. Kept current by our agents.
Quick verdict: which should you choose?
Choose Claude Sonnet 4 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need fast outputs at 170.06 t/s and very low cost of $0.4 per million tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need efficient handling of 400k context with text, image, and file inputs for document tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need a lightweight model that prioritizes response speed over maximum capability depth.
Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need
- ✓Choose Claude Sonnet 4 if you need 1M-token context with strong reasoning and coherence over long inputs.
- ✓Choose Claude Sonnet 4 if you need high-quality detailed responses and careful safety alignment in multimodal tasks.
- ✓Choose Claude Sonnet 4 if you need effective multimodal integration despite higher $15/1M pricing.
Verdict
GPT-5 Nano leads on speed and cost with its 170.06 t/s output and $0.4/1M pricing while supporting text/image/file inputs up to 400k context. Claude Sonnet 4 leads on context scale (1M tokens) and emphasizes stronger reasoning with high-quality multimodal responses, though at $15/1M. GPT-5 Nano suits efficiency-focused tasks; Claude Sonnet 4 suits coherence over maximum-length inputs.
Claude Sonnet 4 vs GPT-5 Nano: side by side
| Spec | Claude Sonnet 4 | GPT-5 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | — | 26.8 | Tie |
| Output speed | — | 170 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $15.00/1M | $0.40/1M | GPT-5 Nano |
| Context | 1000K | 400K | Claude Sonnet 4 |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | Anthropic | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano costs $0.4 per million tokens versus Claude Sonnet 4 at $15 per million tokens. This makes GPT-5 Nano far more economical for high-volume use. Claude offers no pricing advantage in the given data.
Speed and Context
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano provides a measured 170.06 tokens per second and 400k context with efficient large-context handling. Claude Sonnet 4 offers 1M context but lacks speed data. GPT-5 Nano's lightweight design supports faster responses.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: TieGPT-5 Nano explicitly supports text, image, and file inputs. Claude Sonnet 4 provides effective multimodal integration with strong reasoning but notes no native audio or video support. Both are proprietary multimodal models.
Reasoning Depth
Winner: Claude Sonnet 4Claude Sonnet 4 highlights strong reasoning, coherence, and high-quality detailed responses. GPT-5 Nano notes lower capability depth and potential struggles with highly complex reasoning. Intelligence index is only reported for GPT-5 Nano at 26.8.
Claude Sonnet 4
Pros
- +Strong reasoning and coherence over long inputs
- +Careful safety alignment
- +High-quality, detailed responses
- +Effective multimodal integration
Cons
- –Conservative refusals on sensitive topics
- –No native audio or video support
- –May prioritize caution over maximum helpfulness
GPT-5 Nano
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts efficiently
- +Supports text, image, and file inputs
- +Lightweight design for faster responses
- +Practical for extended document tasks
Cons
- –Lower capability depth than full-scale models
- –May struggle with highly complex reasoning
- –Trade-off in advanced task performance
Summary: Claude Sonnet 4 vs GPT-5 Nano
Select GPT-5 Nano for speed, low cost, and practical file-inclusive multimodal work within 400k context. Select Claude Sonnet 4 when maximum 1M context and careful high-quality reasoning matter more than price or speed. The choice hinges on whether efficiency or depth is the priority.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5 Nano at $0.4 per million tokens is substantially cheaper than Claude Sonnet 4 at $15 per million tokens.