kitio.aiDeepSeek API vs Kimi API
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 Kimi API 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
- Long-context models
- Coding-tuned models
- OpenAI and Anthropic formats
- Cache-hit discounts
- Tool calling
| Feature | DeepSeek API | Kimi API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models | Moonshot AI's developer API for Kimi long-context and coding models |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Made by | DeepSeek | Moonshot AI |
| Based in | China | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Tool calling.
Pricing compared
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and Kimi API 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
Kimi API
- Strong agentic coding models
- Works with popular coding tools
- Open weights available
- Flagship pricing rose in 2026
- Data processed in China
- Model lineup changes quickly
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 Kimi API if you want:
- Strong agentic coding models
- Works with popular coding tools
- Open weights available
Watch out: flagship pricing rose in 2026.
DeepSeek API vs Kimi API FAQ
What is the difference between DeepSeek API and Kimi API?
DeepSeek API: Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models. Kimi API: Moonshot AI's developer API for Kimi long-context and coding models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is DeepSeek API or Kimi API cheaper?
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and Kimi API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do DeepSeek API and Kimi API have free plans?
DeepSeek API: No. Kimi API: No.
Who makes DeepSeek API?
DeepSeek API is made by DeepSeek, based in China.
Who makes Kimi API?
Kimi API is made by Moonshot AI, based in China.
Which should I choose, DeepSeek API or Kimi API?
Choose DeepSeek API if you value very low token prices and strong reasoning for the cost. Choose Kimi API if you value strong agentic coding models and works with popular coding tools.