Breaking Down the Jargon: OpenAI API Models Simplified
When it comes to choosing an OpenAI API model, you're not just picking a tool, you're investing in the future of your business. With the sheer number of models available, it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Let's cut through the noise and get down to brass tacks.
Text Models Comparison
| Model | Input Price | Output Price | Context Window | Multimodal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-3.5 Turbo | $0.50/M | $1.50/M | 16K tokens | Text only | High-volume, simple tasks. Extremely fast and cheap. |
| GPT-4 (8K) | $30/M | $60/M | 8K tokens | Text only | Complex reasoning, coding. High quality but slower. |
| GPT-4 (32K) | $60/M | $120/M | 32K tokens | Text only | Long documents, transcripts. 4× larger context than 8K. |
| GPT-4 Turbo | $10/M | $30/M | 128K tokens | Text & Image | Long-context tasks. 3× cheaper than GPT-4, vision support. |
| GPT-4o-mini | $0.15/M | $0.60/M | 128K tokens | Text & Image | Best value. Fast, cheap, excellent quality. Our default. |
| GPT-5 Standard | $1.25/M | $10/M | 400K tokens | Text & Image | Flagship reasoning. Adjustable effort, very accurate. |
| GPT-5 Mini | $0.25/M | $2/M | 400K tokens | Text & Image | Cost-efficient GPT-5. Nearly as capable at ⅕ the price. |
| GPT-5 Nano | $0.05/M | $0.40/M | 400K tokens | Text & Image | Ultra-fast, ultra-cheap. Summarization, classification. |
| GPT-5 Pro | $15/M | $120/M | 400K tokens | Text & Image | Maximum accuracy. Science, math, complex analysis. |
Image Models Comparison
| Model | Price per Image | Sizes Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALL·E 3 (Standard) | $0.04 (1024×1024) $0.08 (1792×1024) |
1024×1024, 1792×1024, 1024×1792 | High-quality images from text. Our default for blog headers. |
| DALL·E 3 (HD) | $0.08 (1024×1024) $0.12 (1792×1024) |
Same as standard | Premium quality. Finer details, better for professional use. |
| GPT-Image 1 | $0.01 - $0.17 per image | Variable quality levels | Multimodal. Can analyze images and generate text responses. |
The Bottom Line
Remember, more expensive doesn't always mean better. It's about finding the right fit for your needs. If you're a small business owner looking for cost-effective solutions, GPT-4o-mini or GPT-5 Nano are your best bets. If you're tackling complex tasks, GPT-5 Pro or GPT-4 Turbo might be worth the investment.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: traditional agencies clinging to outdated tech like WordPress. It's like paying for a typewriter in an era of AI. At Havok Labs, we're not just another marketing agency. We're a team of Midwest programmers with Silicon Valley vibes. We use AI because we're smarter than the competition. We're faster, we're more secure, and we're cheaper. No BS.
So, why are you still paying for agencies that won't adapt and overcharge? It's time to flip the industry. It's time for Havok Labs.
