kitio.aiDeepSeek API vs Z.ai 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 Z.ai 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
- GLM flagship and Flash models
- OpenAI-compatible API
- GLM Coding Plans
- Vision models
- Tool calling
| Feature | DeepSeek API | Z.ai API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models | Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM 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 | Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) |
| Based in | China | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Both offer: OpenAI-compatible API, Tool calling.
Pricing compared
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and Z.ai 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
Z.ai API
- Low cost for strong coding models
- Fixed-price coding plans
- Open weights released
- Less known outside developer circles
- Data processed in China
- Docs can lag releases
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 Z.ai API if you want:
- Low cost for strong coding models
- Fixed-price coding plans
- Open weights released
Watch out: less known outside developer circles.
DeepSeek API vs Z.ai API FAQ
What is the difference between DeepSeek API and Z.ai API?
DeepSeek API: Low-cost API for DeepSeek's reasoning and chat models. Z.ai API: Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is DeepSeek API or Z.ai API cheaper?
DeepSeek API starts at See pricing page and Z.ai API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do DeepSeek API and Z.ai API have free plans?
DeepSeek API: No. Z.ai API: No.
Who makes DeepSeek API?
DeepSeek API is made by DeepSeek, based in China.
Who makes Z.ai API?
Z.ai API is made by Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI), based in China.
Which should I choose, DeepSeek API or Z.ai API?
Choose DeepSeek API if you value very low token prices and strong reasoning for the cost. Choose Z.ai API if you value low cost for strong coding models and fixed-price coding plans.