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AI/CODING/LLM API PROVIDERS/LLM API PROVIDERS WITH A FREE PLAN

Best LLM API providers with a free plan in 2026

10 ranked, with a plain verdict on every entry.

VERIFIEDLISTER SCORE · UPDATED REGULARLY

Inference Shell ranks first among the top 10 LLM API providers with a free plan in 2026, with a Lister Score of 94.0.

Inference Shell takes the top spot on this list for teams building AI agents, and offers one key and zero vendor lock-in across all models. Inworld is built for teams building social companions, learning tools, health apps, or games. Morph serves teams building production coding agents, and serves top models at high speeds tailored for agent workflows.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1Inference ShellThe AI tool provides durable execution and human-in-the-loop capabilities for robust agent workflows94.0NEW–
2InworldThe AI tool maintains five nines reliability for its voice models and LLM serving92.0NEW$49/month
3MorphThe AI tool merges code edits instantly with high accuracy92.0NEW–
4Oxen.aiAllows users to easily switch between various industry-leading models90.0NEW–
5SiliconFlowProvides one API for all models that is fully OpenAI-compatible90.0NEW–
6MindsHub by MindsDBBuilt for teams managing multi-provider AI spend88.0NEW–
7Together AIBuilt for AI startups88.0NEW–
8Fireworks AIBuilt for AI engineering teams84.0NEW–
9FreeInferenceRequires no credit card to sign up78.0NEW–
10LemonadeProvides chat, vision, image, and speech capabilities locally72.0NEW–
CURATED · UPDATED REGULARLY

The ranking, in detail

01

Inference Shell

One API for everything you and your agents need.

Inference Shell is a unified platform enabling users to run any AI model via a single API. It supports diverse media types and allows teams to compose agents with durable execution and evolving skills.

Best for teams building AI agents
94.0
02

Inworld

Real-time voice agents with sub-130ms latency for interactive applications

Inworld AI provides real-time voice and inference solutions for consumer-facing applications. It offers low-latency text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities.

Best for Developers building real-time voice agents; interactive game developers; low-latency application builders
92.0
03

Morph

Inference built for agents with specialised coding tools.

Morph provides inference infrastructure built specifically for AI agents.

Best for teams building production coding agents
92.0
04

Oxen.ai

The AI platform for creators and builders

Oxen.ai is an AI platform designed for creators and builders. It streamlines the journey from initial prompt to production-ready output.

Best for teams scaling generative workflows
90.0
05

SiliconFlow

One platform for all your AI inference needs

SiliconFlow is an AI infrastructure platform providing high-speed inference for large language and multimodal models. It offers a unified API compatible with OpenAI standards to support diverse development needs.

Best for developers requiring flexible deployment options
90.0
06

MindsHub by MindsDB

AI access, usage, and spending under control

MindsHub by MindsDB provides a unified console to manage AI usage and spending across multiple providers. It allows teams to control access, set budgets, and monitor costs for both open and closed models.

Best for teams managing multi-provider AI spend
88.0
07

Together AI

Build better with open models

Together AI provides an open-source AI native cloud platform. It enables developers to run and fine-tune models efficiently.

Best for AI startups
88.0
08

Fireworks AI

Foundational infrastructure for specialized intelligence

Fireworks AI provides foundational infrastructure for specialised intelligence. It enables teams to train and serve open models with high performance.

Best for AI engineering teams
84.0
09

FreeInference

Free OpenAI-compatible API for the research community

FreeInference is an open-source inference platform built at Harvard SEAS. It provides a free OpenAI-compatible API powered by frontier models for research.

Best for research and education teams
78.0
10

Lemonade

Local AI for text, images, and speech

Lemonade is a local AI platform for text, images, and speech. It offers open intelligence that is private by design.

Best for Developers seeking local AI integration
72.0
Not on this ranking?

Positions 1, 2 and 3 are available to buy for twelve months.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best LLM API providers with a free plan?

Inference Shell ranks first on Lister. Inference Shell is a unified platform enabling users to run any AI model via a single API. It supports diverse media types and allows teams to compose agents with durable execution and evolving skills.

What are the top 10 LLM API providers with a free plan?

1. Inference Shell; 2. Inworld; 3. Morph; 4. Oxen.ai; 5. SiliconFlow; 6. MindsHub by MindsDB; 7. Together AI; 8. Fireworks AI; 9. FreeInference; 10. Lemonade.

Are there free options for LLM API providers with a free plan?

No free option is confirmed in the recorded pricing for this ranking. Check each provider's pricing page for current plans and trials.

What do the top four say they are built for?

Inference Shell says it is built for teams building AI agents, and Inworld for teams building social companions, learning tools, health apps, or games. Morph says it is built for teams building production coding agents, and Oxen.ai for teams scaling generative workflows.

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