OpenAI API alternatives ranked by price
33 tools from Surba's catalog, compared on what 10 people would pay a month on each one's entry paid plan, with OpenAI API as the benchmark. Updated for 2026.
Ranking
OpenAI API vs 33 alternatives
Ranked by what 10 people would pay a month on each tool's cheapest paid plan, in US dollars. Prices marked as checked come from the vendor's pricing page on that date; the others are as recorded in Surba's catalog, so check the vendor's site for the latest. Per-user prices are multiplied by the team; per-plan prices aren't. Tools without a comparable list price come last. Features differ between tools, so the cheapest isn't always the closest match.
FAQ
OpenAI API alternatives: questions
What is the cheapest alternative to OpenAI API?
Among the paid plans in Surba's catalog, Mistral AI is the cheapest: Pro at $14.99/user/mo, about $149.90 a month for 10 people.
Is there a free alternative to OpenAI API?
Mistral AI has a free plan in Surba's catalog. Free plans usually limit users, storage or features.
Switching tools? Know what you're paying for.
Surba tracks OpenAI API and its replacement side by side, reminds you before either renews, and shows the whole stack's cost in your currency.