Last updated: March 27, 2026
Compare LLM APIs for builders
Use filters and editorial sorting to narrow the field by free access, pricing model, coding fit, multimodal breadth, and practical developer usability.
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| Provider | Type | Free tier | Limits | Pricing model | Best for | Modalities | Official docs | Last checked |
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How we score
Separate rankings for free, pay-as-you-go, and subscription value
API Scout does not force a single provider into every winner slot. Free-tier leaders are judged differently from subscription-value picks. That keeps the comparison useful and avoids the usual apples-to-oranges nonsense.
Clarity of pricing
Usefulness of free tier
Model access breadth
Practical developer usability
Want the scoring details?
See the methodology page for the editorial weighting system and source rules used across the index.
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