GPT-5 Nano alternatives
Best GPT-5 Nano alternatives
10 models that can stand in for GPT-5 Nano, ranked by benchmark score, with what each one does better.
Current Model
GPT-5 Nano
- Input / 1M
- $0.05
- Output / 1M
- $0.40
- Context
- 400K
- Intelligence
- 13
Quick picks
The best alternative depends on what you need
Why people switch away from GPT-5 Nano, and the model that fits each reason best.
Ranked
Top GPT-5 Nano alternatives
Each model is scored against GPT-5 Nano. Green means better, red means worse.
| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Context | Intelligence | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GPT-5 Nano OpenAI | Input / 1M$0.05 | Output / 1M$0.40 | Context400K | Intelligence13 | Reference model |
| Input / 1M$0.09+80% | Output / 1M$0.30-25% | Context262K-34% | Intelligence16.7+28% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.3x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.06+21% | Output / 1M$0.40 | Context200K-50% | Intelligence14.9+15% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.09+80% | Output / 1M$0.34-15% | Context262K-34% | Intelligence14.7+13% | Compare | |
Why switch:1.2x cheaper outputHigher intelligence scoreAccepts videoNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.25+400% | Output / 1M$0.95+138% | Context164K-59% | Intelligence13.7+5% | Compare | |
Why switch:Higher intelligence scoreNewer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.08+60% | Output / 1M$0.45+12% | Context262K-34% | Intelligence12.8-2% | Compare | |
Why switch:Newer release | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.09+80% | Output / 1M$0.55+38% | Context262K-34% | Intelligence12-8% | Compare | |
| Input / 1M$0.04-26% | Output / 1M$0.17-57% | Context131K-67% | Intelligence11.6-11% | Compare | |
Why switch:2.4x cheaper output | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.10+100% | Output / 1M$0.40 | Context1.05M+162% | Intelligence10.4-20% | Compare | |
Why switch:Larger 1.05M contextAccepts audio and video | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.10+100% | Output / 1M$0.40 | Context1.05M+162% | Intelligence7.8-40% | Compare | |
Why switch:Larger 1.05M context | |||||
| Input / 1M$0.15+200% | Output / 1M$0.60+50% | Context128K-68% | Intelligence6.7-48% | Compare | |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to GPT-5 Nano?
Gemma 4 26B A4B from Google ranks first, based on independent benchmark scores. It costs $0.30 per 1M output tokens, compared with $0.40 for GPT-5 Nano.
Is there a cheaper alternative to GPT-5 Nano?
Yes. gpt-oss-120b charges $0.17 per 1M output tokens, versus $0.40 for GPT-5 Nano.
Can I try GPT-5 Nano and its alternatives at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to several models at once, so you can compare GPT-5 Nano with any of these alternatives on your own tasks.
Not sure which to pick? Try them all.
Send one prompt to GPT-5 Nano and its alternatives at the same time, and keep the answer you like best.