GPT-5 vs GPT-5.5
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 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.5 if you need extremely large 1.05M-token context for document-heavy tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.5 if you need the highest intelligence index (43.5) in multimodal file and image workflows.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.5 if you need flexible native support for files and images without audio/video.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.5 if you need proven multimodal integration for complex input quality.
Choose GPT-5.5 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need the fastest output speed at 167 t/s.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need the lowest price at $10 per 1M tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need 400k-token context with seamless text-image-file integration.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need lower resource demands for maximum context usage.
Verdict
GPT-5.5 leads on intelligence (43.5 vs 15.3) and context size (1.05M vs 400k tokens), suiting document-heavy multimodal workflows, while GPT-5 offers markedly higher speed (167 t/s vs 58.13) and lower price ($10 vs $30 per 1M). Both are proprietary OpenAI models with native file/image support, but GPT-5 is explicitly noted as hypothetical with unverified performance. GPT-5.5 wins on capability depth; GPT-5 wins on efficiency.
GPT-5 vs GPT-5.5: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5 | GPT-5.5 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 15.3 | 43.5 | GPT-5.5 |
| Output speed | 167 t/s | 58 t/s | GPT-5 |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $30.00/1M | GPT-5 |
| Context | 400K | 1050K | GPT-5.5 |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.5GPT-5.5 scores 43.5 on the intelligence index compared to GPT-5's 15.3. This gap favors GPT-5.5 for complex multimodal reasoning tasks. Both models share the same provider and proprietary status.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 delivers 167 tokens per second versus GPT-5.5's 58.13 t/s. The speed advantage holds even though GPT-5 notes potential latency on large multimodal tasks. GPT-5.5's larger context may contribute to its slower rate.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 costs $10 per 1M tokens while GPT-5.5 costs $30 per 1M. This makes GPT-5 the cheaper option for high-volume use. Both list identical output pricing structures.
Context Window
Winner: GPT-5.5GPT-5.5 provides a 1.05M-token context versus GPT-5's 400k tokens. The larger window supports document-heavy multimodal inputs. GPT-5.5 lists this as an explicit strength for file and image workflows.
GPT-5
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native multimodal input support
- +Seamless text-image-file integration
Cons
- –Hypothetical model with unverified performance
- –High resource demands for maximum context
- –Potential latency on large multimodal tasks
GPT-5.5
Pros
- +Extremely large context window
- +Native support for files and images
- +Flexible multimodal workflows
Cons
- –No native audio or video support
- –Large context may increase latency
- –Performance depends on input quality across modalities
Summary: GPT-5 vs GPT-5.5
Select GPT-5.5 when maximum intelligence and context size matter most for verified multimodal document tasks. Select GPT-5 when speed and cost are priorities despite its hypothetical status. The choice hinges on whether capability depth or efficiency is the primary requirement.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.5 is stronger on intelligence and context; GPT-5 is stronger on speed and price. Neither dominates all dimensions.