Gemini Embedding 2 vs Step 3.5 Flash 2603.
model vs model · prices as of
Step 3.5 Flash 2603 takes 3 of 5 rounds against Gemini Embedding 2. It is also the cheaper of the two to run, at $0.57 per million tokens against $0.60.
GoogleGemini Embedding 2
$0.60/M tokens
Google list price, nothing below it is accounted for · $0.12 per 1,000 pages
8k context · reads images
StepFunwins 3 roundsStep 3.5 Flash 2603
$0.57/M tokens
cheapest we can explain, at Vercel AI Gateway · $0.072 per 1,000 pages
256k context · tool calling · open weights
List price in (lower wins)
$0.20/M
$0.10/M
List price out (lower wins)
$0/M
$0.30/M
Cheapest we can explain (lower wins)
none below list
$0.57/M at Vercel AI Gateway
Standard price (lower wins)
$0.60/M
$0.60/M
Cost per 1,000 pages (lower wins)
$0.12
$0.072
Context
8k tokens
256k tokens
Open weights
no
yes
Tool calling
no
yes
Structured output
not stated
not stated
Reads images
yes
no
Reasoning
no
yes
Released
22 Apr 2026
2 Apr 2026
Providers selling it
4
16
Price we measure against
the maker's own
the maker's own
Trains on your prompts (no is better)
no provider to check
not stated
Providers selling both · 2
Nous Portal$0.60 / $0.60
LLMTR$12.60 / $0.60
Gemini Embedding 2 then Step 3.5 Flash 2603, per million tokens
Go further
Add a third or fourth model, or switch the weighting, in the tool.
What moved in the last seven days
- Gemini Embedding 2Nous Portal$0.16 / $0 $0.20 / $025% dearer ·
- Step 3.5 Flash 2603Nous Portal$0.08 / $0.24 $0.10 / $0.3025% dearer ·
Frequently asked
- Which is cheaper, Gemini Embedding 2 or Step 3.5 Flash 2603?
- Step 3.5 Flash 2603, at $0.57 per million tokens against $0.60 for Gemini Embedding 2, three parts input to one part output, read on 16 Sept 2026.
- Where is each one cheapest?
- Gemini Embedding 2: nobody goes below the maker's own price with a reason we can point at, so $0.60 is the number to beat. Step 3.5 Flash 2603: $0.57 at Vercel AI Gateway.
- Can I buy both from one provider?
- Yes. 2 providers sell both: Nous Portal, LLMTR. The cheapest of them for the two together is Nous Portal.
- Which holds more context?
- Step 3.5 Flash 2603, at 256k tokens against 8k.
Prices exclude tax and are per million tokens, read 16 Sept 2026 from each provider's own catalog. The standard price blends three parts input to one part output; a page is 600 tokens in and 60 out. Bars are scaled to the larger value in each row.