OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b vs OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b: Which AI Model Is Better?
Updated March 24, 2026· Based on independent benchmark data
Quick Verdict
OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b leads in intelligence with a score of 33.3 vs 24.5.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b | OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Score | 24.5 | 33.3 |
| Coding Score | 18.5 | 28.6 |
| Math Score | 89.3 | 93.4 |
| Speed (tok/s) | 304 tok/s | 289 tok/s |
| Latency (TTFT) | 0.44s | 0.49s |
| Input Price / 1M tokens | $0.03 | $0.04 |
| Output Price / 1M tokens | $0.11 | $0.19 |
| Context Window | 131K | 131K |
| Max Output Tokens | 131K | N/A |
| Input Modalities | Text | Text |
| Output Modalities | Text | Text |
| Free Tier | No | No |
Detailed Analysis
Intelligence & Quality
OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b outperforms OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b on the Artificial Analysis intelligence index with a score of 33.3 compared to 24.5. For coding tasks, OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b has the edge with a coding score of 28.6 vs 18.5. In mathematical reasoning, OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b leads with 93.4 compared to OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b's 89.3.
Speed & Latency
Both models deliver similar output speeds: OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b at 304 tok/s and OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b at 289 tok/s. Time to first token is 0.44s for OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b vs 0.49s for OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b, which affects perceived responsiveness in interactive applications.
Pricing
OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b is more affordable at $0.03/1M input tokens ($0.11/1M output), while OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b costs $0.04/1M input ($0.19/1M output). For a typical workload of 100 requests per day at 2,000 tokens each, OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b would cost approximately $0.18/month vs $0.23/month for OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b in input costs alone.
Context Window
Both models support the same context window of 131K tokens (approximately 66 pages of text).
Best Use Cases
Choose OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b when you need higher intelligence (33.3), stronger coding performance (28.6).
Choose OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b if:
- ✓You need higher intelligence (score: 33.3 vs 24.5)
- ✓You prioritize coding performance (score: 28.6 vs 18.5)
- ✓Math reasoning is important (score: 93.4 vs 89.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b better than OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b for coding?
OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b scores higher on coding benchmarks (28.6 vs 18.5), making it the better choice for programming tasks.
Which is cheaper, OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b or OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b?
OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b is cheaper at $0.03/1M input tokens vs $0.04/1M for OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b.
Is OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b faster than OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b?
OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b is faster, producing output at 304 tok/s compared to OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b's 289 tok/s.
Can OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b process images?
No, OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b does not support image input. Neither model supports image input.
Which has a larger context window, OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b or OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b?
Both models have the same context window of 131K tokens.
Should I use OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b or OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b?
It depends on your priorities. OpenAI: gpt-oss-120b scores higher on intelligence (33.3), but OpenAI: gpt-oss-20b may be better for specific use cases like budget-conscious projects or speed-critical applications.
Related Comparisons
Benchmark data by Artificial Analysis
Data last synced: March 24, 2026