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Compare the details that matter to your task. Unknown information is shown openly; always verify current pricing and access with the provider.
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| What matters | 🧩 Groq | 🧩 OpenRouter |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Groq provides inference APIs for supported text and speech models. | OpenRouter routes API requests to a model and provider from a shared catalog. |
| Best for | Fast hosted inference for supported models | Comparing model APIs with provider routing |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Free-plan limits | Free model access has request and token caps; Developer adds paid capacity and features. Consult your account’s limits and current model rates rather than assuming unlimited free inference. | Free model variants exist with request caps; paid models consume credits and may carry platform fees. Check the current FAQ, model rate and provider policy before sending data. |
| Platforms | API, Web | API, Web |
| Key capabilities | Text generation API Supported open models Speech transcription Structured outputs Tool use | Unified model API Model catalog Provider routing Fallback models Free model variants |
| Strengths | An OpenAI-compatible interface can reduce basic integration changes Rate-limit headers give applications information for retry handling A free tier supports small development experiments | One API can simplify a small comparison across supported models Provider routing allows you to choose a service for a specific request Fallback settings can define what happens when a chosen model is unavailable |
| Limitations | Rate limits apply to the organisation and differ by model Not every hosted model supports the same tools or output features | Provider data handling and feature support differ Free variants have limits and should not be assumed to match paid capacity |
| No signup required | Not verified | Not verified |
| No credit card required | Not verified | Not verified |
| Open source | Not verified | Not verified |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Access details reviewed | 2026-10-09 | 2026-10-09 |
| Official pricing / source | Check pricingAccess source | Check pricingAccess source |
| Next step | Explore Groq | Explore OpenRouter |