OpenAI o1 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.
OpenAI o1 wins for most users due to best-in-class reasoning abilities. Choose OpenAI o1 if you need Complex problem-solving. Choose OpenAI o3 for Advanced research.
- Price: OpenAI o1 starts at $20/mo/mo, OpenAI o3 at $200/mo/mo
- Free tier: Neither has free tier
- Best for: OpenAI o1 → Complex problem-solving | OpenAI o3 → Advanced research
- Features: 25+ features across 7 categories
- Our pick: OpenAI o1 for power users
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | OpenAI o1 | OpenAI o3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Starting Price | $20/mo/mo | $200/mo/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
| Web App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Complex problem-solving | Advanced research |
What Are We Comparing?
OpenAI o1
OpenAI's advanced reasoning model designed for complex problem-solving, math, science, and coding tasks with step-by-step thinking.
OpenAI o1 is a breakthrough reasoning model that thinks before it answers. It excels at complex multi-step problems in mathematics, science, and programming. The model uses chain-of-thought reasoning to tackle problems that require deep analysis, making it ideal for STEM tasks, competitive programming, and scientific research.
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.
OpenAI o1 vs OpenAI o3 Pricing
Here's how the pricing compares between both tools:
OpenAI o1
No Free TierOpenAI o3
No Free TierFeatures Comparison
OpenAI o1 Features
- ✓ Web App
- ✓ Api Access
- ✓ Mobile App
- ✓ File Upload
- ✓ Image Input
- ✓ Code Execution
- ✓ Reasoning Mode
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
OpenAI o1
Pros
- Best-in-class reasoning abilities
- Excellent at math and science
- Strong coding performance
- Shows thinking process
Cons
- Slower than GPT-4o
- No web browsing
- Expensive API costs
- Limited availability on free tier
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 OpenAI o1 if you need:
- Complex problem-solving
- Scientific research
- Competitive programming
- Math
Choose OpenAI o3 if you need:
- Advanced research
- Complex engineering
- Abstract reasoning
- Frontier AI tasks
Final Verdict: OpenAI o1 vs OpenAI o3
🏆 Winner: OpenAI o1
After comparing all aspects, OpenAI o1 comes out slightly ahead for most users. Key strength: Best-in-class reasoning abilities.
Bottom line: Use OpenAI o1 for Complex problem-solving. Use OpenAI o3 for Advanced research. Both are excellent ai chatbots & assistants tools in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OpenAI o1 and OpenAI o3?
OpenAI o1 is openai's advanced reasoning model designed for complex problem-solving, math, science, and coding tasks with step-by-step thinking. 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 ($20/mo/mo vs $200/mo/mo), target users, and specific features offered.
Which is better: OpenAI o1 or OpenAI o3?
OpenAI o1 is generally better for most users due to best-in-class reasoning abilities. OpenAI o1 is best for Complex problem-solving, while OpenAI o3 shines at Advanced research.
Is OpenAI o1 free to use?
No, OpenAI o1 doesn't have a free tier. Pricing starts at $20/mo/mo.
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 OpenAI o1 to OpenAI o3?
Yes, you can switch between these tools at any time. Both are standalone services. Consider your specific needs for Complex problem-solving vs Advanced research when deciding.