kitio.aiGrok API vs ERNIE
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Grok 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
- Grok text and reasoning models
- Image and video generation
- Voice agent API
- Web and X search tools
- OpenAI-compatible SDKs
- Multiple model generations
- Multimodal ERNIE 5.0
- ERNIE-Image generation
- Developer API
- Research and technical blog
| Feature | Grok API | ERNIE |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Developer API for Grok text, image, video and voice 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 | SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI) | Baidu |
| Based in | United States | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Grok 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
Grok API
- Live X data access
- Compatible with common SDKs
- Fast models at low prices
- Company name changed twice in 2026
- Fewer enterprise certifications
- Safety controls are looser
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 Grok API if you want:
- Live X data access
- Compatible with common SDKs
- Fast models at low prices
Watch out: company name changed twice in 2026.
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.
Grok API vs ERNIE FAQ
What is the difference between Grok API and ERNIE?
Grok API: Developer API for Grok text, image, video and voice models. ERNIE: Baidu's family of large language and multimodal models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Grok API or ERNIE cheaper?
Grok API starts at See pricing page and ERNIE starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Grok API and ERNIE have free plans?
Grok API: No. ERNIE: Yes.
Who makes Grok API?
Grok API is made by SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI), based in United States.
Who makes ERNIE?
ERNIE is made by Baidu, based in China.
Which should I choose, Grok API or ERNIE?
Choose Grok API if you value live x data access and compatible with common sdks. Choose ERNIE if you value strong chinese-language performance and several model sizes to choose from.