kitio.aiDeepSeek API vs ERNIE
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and ERNIE 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-compatible API
- Reasoning models
- Context caching
- Off-peak pricing
- Tool calling
- Multiple model generations
- Multimodal ERNIE 5.0
- ERNIE-Image generation
- Developer API
- Research and technical blog
| Feature | DeepSeek API | ERNIE |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models | Baidu's family of large language and multimodal models |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | DeepSeek | Baidu |
| Based in | China | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and ERNIE 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
DeepSeek API
- Very low token prices
- Strong reasoning for the cost
- Easy to switch from OpenAI
- Data processed in China
- Capacity limits at busy times
- Prices vary by time of day
ERNIE
- Strong Chinese-language performance
- Several model sizes to choose from
- Some versions released as open weights
- API pricing not shown on the main site
- Documentation leans toward Chinese users
Which one should you choose?
Choose DeepSeek API if you want:
- Very low token prices
- Strong reasoning for the cost
- Easy to switch from OpenAI
Watch out: data processed in china.
Choose ERNIE if you want:
- Strong Chinese-language performance
- Several model sizes to choose from
- Some versions released as open weights
Watch out: api pricing not shown on the main site.
DeepSeek API vs ERNIE FAQ
What is the difference between DeepSeek API and ERNIE?
DeepSeek API: Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models. ERNIE: Baidu's family of large language and multimodal models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is DeepSeek API or ERNIE cheaper?
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and ERNIE starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do DeepSeek API and ERNIE have free plans?
DeepSeek API: No. ERNIE: Yes.
Who makes DeepSeek API?
DeepSeek API is made by DeepSeek, based in China.
Who makes ERNIE?
ERNIE is made by Baidu, based in China.
Which should I choose, DeepSeek API or ERNIE?
Choose DeepSeek API if you value very low token prices and strong reasoning for the cost. Choose ERNIE if you value strong chinese-language performance and several model sizes to choose from.