GPT-5.1 vs OpenAI o3: The Complete Comparison
Which ai chatbots & assistants tool is right for you? A detailed side-by-side analysis of features, pricing, and performance.
GPT-5.1 wins for most users due to its free tier and most capable model from openai. Choose GPT-5.1 if you need Complex tasks. Choose OpenAI o3 for Advanced research.
- Price: GPT-5.1 starts at Free, OpenAI o3 at $200/mo/mo
- Free tier: Only GPT-5.1 has free tier
- Best for: GPT-5.1 → Complex tasks | OpenAI o3 → Advanced research
- Features: 24+ features across 7 categories
- Our pick: GPT-5.1 for budget-conscious users
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | GPT-5.1 | OpenAI o3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Starting Price | Free | $200/mo/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
| Web App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Complex tasks | Advanced research |
What Are We Comparing?
GPT-5.1
OpenAI's next-generation flagship model with major improvements in reasoning, coding, and multimodal understanding.
GPT-5.1 represents OpenAI's latest frontier model with significant advances over GPT-4. Features include enhanced reasoning capabilities, improved coding performance, better multimodal understanding, and more reliable instruction following.
OpenAI o3
OpenAI's most advanced reasoning model with breakthrough performance on ARC-AGI benchmark. Next generation of o1 with enhanced capabilities.
OpenAI o3 represents a major leap in AI reasoning capabilities. It achieved groundbreaking results on the ARC-AGI benchmark, demonstrating near-human-level abstract reasoning. The model features improved efficiency, better coding abilities, and enhanced problem-solving across mathematics, science, and engineering domains.
GPT-5.1 vs OpenAI o3 Pricing
Here's how the pricing compares between both tools:
GPT-5.1
Free Tier AvailableOpenAI o3
No Free TierFeatures Comparison
GPT-5.1 Features
- ✓ Memory
- ✓ Plugins
- ✓ Web App
- ✓ Api Access
- ✓ Mobile App
- ✓ Voice Mode
- ✓ File Upload
- ✓ Image Input
- ✓ Web Browsing
- ✓ Code Execution
- ✓ Image Generation
- ✓ Advanced Reasoning
OpenAI o3 Features
- ✓ Memory
- ✓ Web App
- ✓ Api Access
- ✓ Mobile App
- ✓ File Upload
- ✓ Image Input
- ✓ Web Browsing
- ✓ Code Execution
- ✓ Reasoning Mode
- ✓ Arc Agi Benchmark
Pros and Cons
GPT-5.1
Pros
- Most capable model from OpenAI
- Excellent reasoning
- Superior coding abilities
- Multimodal excellence
Cons
- Premium pricing
- No free access
- Slower than smaller models
- Can be verbose
OpenAI o3
Pros
- State-of-the-art reasoning
- ARC-AGI breakthrough
- Excellent mathematical performance (91.6% AIME 2024)
- Superior coding capabilities
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited availability
- Slower response times
- Requires Pro subscription
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose GPT-5.1 if you need:
- Complex tasks
- Professional use
- Coding projects
- Research
Choose OpenAI o3 if you need:
- Advanced research
- Complex engineering
- Abstract reasoning
- Frontier AI tasks
Final Verdict: GPT-5.1 vs OpenAI o3
🏆 Winner: GPT-5.1
After comparing all aspects, GPT-5.1 comes out slightly ahead for most users. The free tier makes it easy to get started without commitment. Key strength: Most capable model from OpenAI.
Bottom line: Use GPT-5.1 for Complex tasks. Use OpenAI o3 for Advanced research. Both are excellent ai chatbots & assistants tools in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GPT-5.1 and OpenAI o3?
GPT-5.1 is openai's next-generation flagship model with major improvements in reasoning, coding, and multimodal understanding. OpenAI o3 is openai's most advanced reasoning model with breakthrough performance on arc-agi benchmark. next generation of o1 with enhanced capabilities. The main differences are in pricing (Free vs $200/mo/mo), target users, and specific features offered.
Which is better: GPT-5.1 or OpenAI o3?
GPT-5.1 is generally better for most users due to its free tier and most capable model from openai. GPT-5.1 is best for Complex tasks, while OpenAI o3 shines at Advanced research.
Is GPT-5.1 free to use?
Yes, GPT-5.1 offers a free tier with limited features. You can upgrade to paid plans starting at Free for more capabilities.
Is OpenAI o3 free to use?
No, OpenAI o3 doesn't have a free tier. Pricing starts at $200/mo/mo.
Can I switch from GPT-5.1 to OpenAI o3?
Yes, you can switch between these tools at any time. Both are standalone services. Consider your specific needs for Complex tasks vs Advanced research when deciding.