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  5. GPT-5 MinivsLaguna XS 2.1 (free)
Updated Jul 2026

GPT-5 MinivsLaguna XS 2.1 (free)

Laguna XS 2.1 (free) is cheaper than GPT-5 Mini at $0/M vs $0.25/M input tokens.

GPT-5 Mini and Laguna XS 2.1 (free) compared across 11 shared prompts
SpecGPT-5 MiniLaguna XS 2.1 (free)
Input price$0.25/M tokensFree
Output price$2/M tokensFree
Context window—262K tokens
WeightsClosed—
Free API (OpenRouter)NoYes (1 provider)
ReleasedAug 2025Jul 2026
Side by side

Same prompt, both answers

Opening lines from 3 of the 11 prompts both answered. Formatting stripped, words untouched.

Advanced Investment Memo (IC Memo)

You are writing an internal investment committee memo for a long/short equity fund. Company (fictional): LedgerLift (ticker: LLLT) – B2B…

GPT-5 Mini931 words
Recommendation: SHORT 12‑month PT range: $17 – $42 (Bear → Bull; Base case PT $28) Thesis (2 sentences): LedgerLift is a high‑quality mid‑market spend-management / AP automation SaaS with strong unit economics (92% subscription, NRR 123%, FY25 operating margin 18%) that has built a sticky, expanding customer base.
Read the full answer
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)877 words
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEMO Subject: LedgerLift (LLLT) – Long/Short/Comps Analysis Date: [Insert Date] Recommendation: LONG 12-Month Price Target Range: $85–$105 Thesis: LedgerLift is executing on a best-in-class B2B SaaS spend management platform with high net revenue retention (NRR), strong gross margins, and a rapidly…
Read the full answer

Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)

Develop a comprehensive, cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker aiming to optimize longevity, physical and cognitive…

GPT-5 Mini626 words
Important safety first: this plan is informational and ambitious. Before starting, get medical clearance (especially if you have chronic illness, take medications, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or are >65).
Read the full answer
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)828 words
3-Month Longevity & Performance Optimization Plan for a Biohacker Designed for advanced biohackers with a focus on longevity, cognitive sharpness, and peak physical performance. Assumes access to basic medical testing, wearables, and some advanced tools (e.g., neurofeedback apps).
Read the full answer

Beginner's Longevity Plan

Outline a simple, actionable 1-month plan for someone starting their journey towards better health and longevity. Focus on 3 key areas…

GPT-5 Mini1,224 words
Great — here’s a simple, practical 1-month starter plan focused on three high-impact areas for health and longevity: Diet, Exercise (movement + strength), and Sleep. The plan is beginner-friendly, progressive, and designed to build lasting habits.
Read the full answer
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)409 words
1-Month Health & Longevity Plan Focus Areas: Diet, Exercise, Sleep Week 1: Start with Foundational Habits Diet: Action: Add 1 serving of fruit or vegetables daily (e.g., a banana with breakfast, a side salad with lunch). Why: Boosts nutrient intake and fiber.
Read the full answer
Our Verdict
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)
GPT-5 Mini
GPT-5 MiniRunner-up

Not enough votes to call it. On the specs, Laguna XS 2.1 (free) has the edge: bigger model tier, newer, bigger context window.

Too close to call

Reviewing agent-written code?See a Brief PR report

API pricing

Cost per 1M tokens

GPT-5 Mini
Input
$0.25
Output
$2.00
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)
Input
$0.000
Output
$0.000
Where to run it

3 hosts

GPT-5 Mini2 hosts
HostInOutContextUptime
Azure AI Foundry$0.25 in·$2.00 out·400k·100% upOpenAI$0.25 in·$2.00 out·400k·100% up
Laguna XS 2.1 (free)1 host
HostInOutContextUptime
PPoolsidefp8$0 in·$0 out·262k·99.8% up

Per million tokens. Prices and uptime via OpenRouter, checked 23 Sep 2026.

Research

What we learned reading every model

FAQ

Common questions

GPT-5 Mini is developed by OpenAI while Laguna XS 2.1 (free) is developed by Poolside. You can compare their actual outputs across 11 challenges on Rival to see how they differ in practice.

It depends on your use case. GPT-5 Mini and Laguna XS 2.1 (free) each have strengths in different areas. Rival lets you compare their real outputs side-by-side across 11 challenges so you can judge which fits your needs best.

GPT-5 Mini costs $0.25/M input tokens and Laguna XS 2.1 (free) costs $0/M input tokens. Laguna XS 2.1 (free) is $0.25/M cheaper per input. Check their side-by-side outputs on Rival to see if the price difference is justified by quality.

This page shows a side-by-side comparison of GPT-5 Mini and Laguna XS 2.1 (free) across shared challenges. You can vote on which model produced the better output in a blind duel. Browsing and voting are free. No account is needed to look; signing in only saves your votes and likes.

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Model pages

GPT-5 Mini logo
GPT-5 Mini59 outputs, specs and price
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Laguna XS 2.1 (free)11 outputs, specs and price
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