GPT-4.1 vs Hailuo — Which Is Better in 2026?
GPT-4.1 vs Hailuo: independent head-to-head scored on Performance, Value, Reliability, and Ease of Use. See scores, pros, cons, and our verdict.
OpenAI
GPT-4.1
OpenAI's best coding model
MiniMax
Hailuo
Best free AI video generator
8.9
Overall Score
WINNER8.1
Overall Score
Our Verdict
GPT-4.1 scores higher overall (8.9/10 vs 8.1/10), winning on Performance and Reliability. OpenAI's latest flagship. Best coding performance in the GPT family.
Pricing — GPT-4.1
API: $2/M input · $8/M output · Plus $20/mo
Pricing — Hailuo
Free tier available · Subscription plans
GPT-4.1
Pros
- ✓Best coding performance in the GPT family
- ✓Strong instruction following for agentic use
- ✓Full OpenAI tool ecosystem
Cons
- ✗More expensive than Claude Sonnet at API level
- ✗Less creative than Claude for writing tasks
- ✗Context window smaller than Gemini Pro
Best For
Software development, agentic workflows, enterprise OpenAI integrations
Hailuo
Pros
- ✓Generous free tier for testing
- ✓Good quality at zero cost
- ✓Fast generation speed
Cons
- ✗Data governance concerns (China-based)
- ✗Less control than Runway or Kling
- ✗Limited support and documentation
Best For
Budget video creation, testing AI video without cost commitment
Choose GPT-4.1 if…
- →Performance is your top priority — GPT-4.1 leads by 1.5 points
- →Software development
- →You also value Reliability — GPT-4.1 wins that dimension too
Choose Hailuo if…
- →Value is your top priority — Hailuo leads by 1.0 points
- →Budget video creation
- →MiniMax support, documentation, and community suit your team
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GPT-4.1 better than Hailuo?
GPT-4.1 scores 8.9/10 overall vs 8.1/10 for Hailuo, with an edge on Performance and Reliability and Ease of Use. That said, "Hailuo" may be the better pick if value is your priority. The right choice depends on your use case.
What is the pricing difference between GPT-4.1 and Hailuo?
GPT-4.1: API: $2/M input · $8/M output · Plus $20/mo. Hailuo: Free tier available · Subscription plans. Compare usage volumes and features needed to determine total cost of ownership for your team.
Which is better for software development?
GPT-4.1 is generally stronger here, scoring 8.9/10 overall. OpenAI's latest flagship. Best coding performance in the GPT family. For more niche requirements like value, Hailuo may be worth evaluating.
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