GPT-5.4 nano vs GPT-oss 20B

Side-by-side API pricing comparison: which model gives you more for less?

Last verified Jun 2026 · Prices per 1M tokens

Cheaper Input
GPT-oss 20B
$0.08 vs $0.2
Cheaper Output
GPT-oss 20B
$0.35 vs $1.25
Max Savings
72%
by switching to GPT-oss 20B
Save up to 72%
Switch from GPT-5.4 nano to GPT-oss 20B · $0.08 input / $0.35 output per 1M tokens

Quick Comparison

FeatureGPT-5.4 nanoGPT-oss 20B
Provider OpenAI OpenAI
Tier Budget Budget
Input Price $0.2 $0.08
Output Price $1.25 $0.35
Context Window 400K 128K
Verified Jun 2026 May 2026

When to Use Each

💰 Cost-Sensitive Workloads

High-volume APIs, batch processing, and startups watching runway.

→ Use GPT-oss 20B — 60% cheaper input, 72% cheaper output

🧠 Complex Reasoning

Tasks requiring advanced reasoning, code generation, or nuanced analysis.

→ Either model works — compare quality on your specific tasks

⚡ High-Throughput APIs

Real-time chatbots, streaming responses, and latency-sensitive apps.

→ GPT-oss 20B for cost at scale, GPT-5.4 nano if quality matters more

🔬 Prototyping & Testing

Development, experimentation, and non-critical workloads.

→ Use GPT-oss 20B — same context (400K), much cheaper

Track price changes for both models

APIpulse Pro monitors 49 models across 10 providers. Get alerts when GPT-5.4 nano or GPT-oss 20B prices change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is GPT-oss 20B cheaper than GPT-5.4 nano?

Yes. GPT-oss 20B costs $0.08 input / $0.35 output per 1M tokens, while GPT-5.4 nano costs $0.2 input / $1.25 output. That's 60% cheaper on input and 72% cheaper on output.

How much can I save switching to GPT-oss 20B?

For a typical workload (1M input + 500K output tokens/month), GPT-oss 20B costs $0.26/month vs $0.82/month for GPT-5.4 nano. That's a savings of $0.57/month (72%).

Which should I choose: GPT-5.4 nano or GPT-oss 20B?

Choose GPT-oss 20B for cost efficiency. Choose GPT-5.4 nano for OpenAI ecosystem benefits. GPT-5.4 nano has 400K context vs GPT-oss 20B's 128K.