GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 Pro
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 GPT-5.1 if you need
- ✓Need 1.05M-token context for very large document and visual tasks
- ✓Require advanced reasoning over extended multimodal inputs
- ✓Handle maximum-length inputs across text, image, and file data
- ✓Prioritize versatile integration of large-scale modalities
Choose GPT-5.4 Pro if you need
- ✓Need known output speed of 87.24 t/s
- ✓Require the lowest price at $10 per 1M tokens
- ✓Work within a 400k context window with native image/text/file support
- ✓Prefer models with published performance numbers
Verdict
GPT-5.4 Pro leads on raw context scale (1.05M tokens) and advanced reasoning over extended multimodal inputs, while GPT-5.1 provides concrete speed (87.24 t/s) and dramatically lower cost ($10 vs $180 per 1M). GPT-5.1 wins on verifiable performance metrics where GPT-5.4 Pro leaves intelligence_index and output_speed unspecified. Both share identical modality limits and proprietary OpenAI access.
GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 Pro: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1 | GPT-5.4 Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 20.4 | — | Tie |
| Output speed | 82 t/s | — | Tie |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $180.00/1M | GPT-5.1 |
| Context | 400K | 1050K | GPT-5.4 Pro |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Context Window
Winner: GPT-5.4 ProGPT-5.4 Pro offers 1,050,000 tokens versus GPT-5.1's 400,000. This gives GPT-5.4 Pro a clear edge for very large inputs. Both support text, image, and file modalities within their respective windows.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1GPT-5.1 costs $10 per 1M tokens while GPT-5.4 Pro costs $180 per 1M. The 18x price difference favors GPT-5.1 for cost-sensitive workloads. No other pricing details are provided.
Speed & Latency
Winner: GPT-5.1GPT-5.1 lists a concrete speed of 87.24 t/s. GPT-5.4 Pro leaves speed unspecified and notes higher latency on maximum-length inputs. GPT-5.1 therefore has the only verifiable speed advantage.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: TieBoth models support text, image, and file inputs with strong integration. Neither offers native audio or video. Strengths descriptions are comparable within these shared limits.
GPT-5.1
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native support for images, text, and files
- +Strong multimodal integration
Cons
- –No audio or video modalities
- –Performance details unverified beyond specs
- –Potential latency with maximum context
GPT-5.4 Pro
Pros
- +Handles very large inputs across modalities
- +Strong integration of text, image, and file data
- +Advanced reasoning over extended contexts
Cons
- –Higher latency on maximum-length inputs
- –No native audio or video support
- –Proprietary access with usage constraints
Summary: GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 Pro
Choose GPT-5.4 Pro when maximum context and extended-context reasoning are essential. Choose GPT-5.1 when published speed, lower cost, and verified metrics matter most. Both remain proprietary OpenAI models without audio or video support.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 Pro leads on context size and reasoning depth; GPT-5.1 leads on known speed and price. The better choice depends on whether scale or cost/speed is prioritized.