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Model comparison
MiniMax M3 vs Kimi K3
Compare MiniMax M3 and Kimi K3 using the same provider-sourced text & reasoning rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Estimate your cost
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example: 6,000 input tokens for 10 pages, plus a 500-token summary. Page lengths vary; adjust the numbers below.
One run sends your input to the model once and receives an answer. Tokens are pieces of text: input is what you send, output is the answer you receive.
Advanced options
How this estimate works
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kimi K3Moonshot AI | Moonshot AI | No reviewed rate |
| MiniMax M3MiniMax | MiniMax | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
MiniMax M3
MiniMax's million-token multimodal model for coding, agents, computer use, and long projects at a low direct API price.
Best for
- Cost-conscious coding agents
- Long multimodal research workflows
- Teams comparing hosted and self-managed deployment
Watch out for
Do not assume the headline rate applies above 512K tokens or on every provider. Also review MiniMax's content-use and retention terms before sending private code or business files.
Kimi K3
Moonshot AI's frontier multimodal model for million-token coding, reasoning, knowledge work, and tool-driven agents.
Best for
- Large codebase and document work
- Agents that repeatedly reuse a long context
- Multimodal reasoning through a direct or gateway API
Watch out for
Moonshot's public terms permit broad service-improvement uses of submitted content. Treat the provider route and enterprise agreement as a core requirement for confidential work.
Compare the published facts
MiniMax M3 vs Kimi K3
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Text & reasoning | MiniMax M3 | Kimi K3 |
|---|---|---|
| Context windowMaximum combined prompt and working context documented by the provider. | 1M tokens | 1M tokens |
| Maximum outputProvider-published response limit, where available. | Up to 262K on supported hosted routes | Not separately published for the direct API |
| Knowledge cutoffLatest reliable knowledge date explicitly published by the model provider. Search and connected tools can retrieve newer information but do not change the model's built-in cutoff. | Not published | Not published |
| Input priceCurrent standard list price per million input tokens unless noted. | From $0.30 / 1M direct | $3 / 1M uncached; $0.30 cached |
| Output priceCurrent standard list price per million output tokens unless noted. | From $1.20 / 1M direct | $15 / 1M |
| InputsMedia types accepted by the listed model endpoint. | Text, image, video | Text, image |
| Tools & agentsSelected native tools and agent-building capabilities, not an exhaustive list. | Coding agents, tools, computer use, structured workflows | Tools, agent workflows, reasoning levels, dynamic tool loading on supported routes |
How to choose
Compare the job, not the hype.
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
MiniMax M3
MiniMax's privacy policy describes collection and use of service content but does not provide one simple no-training commitment for every API plan. Review the current plan terms before sending confidential data.
Provider and API links
Kimi K3
Moonshot's API privacy and model-use terms allow submitted content to be stored and used to provide, maintain, develop, and improve the service. Obtain appropriate enterprise terms before sending sensitive material.
Frequently asked questions
MiniMax M3 vs Kimi K3 FAQ
What is the main difference between MiniMax M3 and Kimi K3?
MiniMax M3: MiniMax's million-token multimodal model for coding, agents, computer use, and long projects at a low direct API price. Kimi K3: Moonshot AI's frontier multimodal model for million-token coding, reasoning, knowledge work, and tool-driven agents.
Should I choose MiniMax M3 or Kimi K3?
Consider MiniMax M3 when your priority is Cost-conscious coding agents. Consider Kimi K3 when your priority is Large codebase and document work. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
Is this MiniMax M3 vs Kimi K3 comparison based on Cody benchmarks?
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Text & reasoning category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.