kitio.aiAzure OpenAI vs Microsoft Foundry
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Azure OpenAI starts at See pricing page and Microsoft Foundry starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- OpenAI models via API
- Fine-tuning
- Provisioned throughput
- Private networking
- Built-in content filtering
- Model catalog
- Azure OpenAI deployments
- Foundry Agent Service
- Evaluations and tracing
- Content safety
| Feature | Azure OpenAI | Microsoft Foundry |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | OpenAI models served from Microsoft Azure with enterprise controls | Microsoft's AI platform for OpenAI and other models, formerly Azure AI Foundry |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Made by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Azure OpenAI starts at See pricing page and Microsoft Foundry starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Azure OpenAI
- Enterprise security and compliance
- Choice of regions for data
- Works with OpenAI SDKs
- Needs an Azure subscription
- New models can arrive later than on OpenAI
- Quota limits per region and model
Microsoft Foundry
- Enterprise access to OpenAI models
- Deep Microsoft 365 and Azure ties
- Strong compliance features
- Frequent renames confuse buyers
- Portal has a learning curve
- Regional model availability varies
Which one should you choose?
Choose Azure OpenAI if you want:
- Enterprise security and compliance
- Choice of regions for data
- Works with OpenAI SDKs
Watch out: needs an azure subscription.
Choose Microsoft Foundry if you want:
- Enterprise access to OpenAI models
- Deep Microsoft 365 and Azure ties
- Strong compliance features
Watch out: frequent renames confuse buyers.
Azure OpenAI vs Microsoft Foundry FAQ
What is the difference between Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Foundry?
Azure OpenAI: OpenAI models served from Microsoft Azure with enterprise controls. Microsoft Foundry: Microsoft's AI platform for OpenAI and other models, formerly Azure AI Foundry. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Azure OpenAI or Microsoft Foundry cheaper?
Azure OpenAI starts at See pricing page and Microsoft Foundry starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Foundry have free plans?
Azure OpenAI: No. Microsoft Foundry: No.
Who makes Azure OpenAI?
Azure OpenAI is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Microsoft Foundry?
Microsoft Foundry is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Azure OpenAI or Microsoft Foundry?
Choose Azure OpenAI if you value enterprise security and compliance and choice of regions for data. Choose Microsoft Foundry if you value enterprise access to openai models and deep microsoft 365 and azure ties.