What we evaluate
Comparisons start with public provider rate cards, then add the operational factors that change what a team actually pays: input and output mix, caching, batch discounts, platform fees, rate limits, retries, repair calls, output validation, model churn, and migration effort.
How rankings work
A lower advertised token rate does not automatically receive a higher rank. We prioritize cost per accepted output and fit for the stated buyer. That means a routed or validated service may outrank a lower raw token price when it reduces work the customer would otherwise need to build and operate.
Price verification
We link to first-party pricing or model documentation wherever possible and record the month of the latest review. AI pricing changes quickly. Readers should confirm the live provider page before committing spend.
Editorial disclosure
Omev.ai is the featured provider in our current cheap AI model API comparison. That placement is disclosed on the article itself. Our coverage still includes useful alternatives, caveats, and direct links to primary sources. We do not claim that one provider is cheapest for every workload.
Corrections
Found a stale rate, missing caveat, or broken source? Email [email protected]. Include the provider, model, and a first-party source so we can verify the change.