kitio.aiERNIE vs Z.ai API
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. ERNIE 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
- Multiple model generations
- Multimodal ERNIE 5.0
- ERNIE-Image generation
- Developer API
- Research and technical blog
- GLM flagship and Flash models
- OpenAI-compatible API
- GLM Coding Plans
- Vision models
- Tool calling
| Feature | ERNIE | Z.ai API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Baidu's family of large language and multimodal models | Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | Baidu | Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) |
| Based in | China | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
ERNIE 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
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
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 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.
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.
ERNIE vs Z.ai API FAQ
What is the difference between ERNIE and Z.ai API?
ERNIE: Baidu's family of large language and multimodal models. Z.ai API: Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is ERNIE or Z.ai API cheaper?
ERNIE starts at See pricing page and Z.ai API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do ERNIE and Z.ai API have free plans?
ERNIE: Yes. Z.ai API: No.
Who makes ERNIE?
ERNIE is made by Baidu, 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, ERNIE or Z.ai API?
Choose ERNIE if you value strong chinese-language performance and several model sizes to choose from. Choose Z.ai API if you value low cost for strong coding models and fixed-price coding plans.