kitio.aiGrok API vs Z.ai API
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 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
- Grok text and reasoning models
- Image and video generation
- Voice agent API
- Web and X search tools
- OpenAI-compatible SDKs
- GLM flagship and Flash models
- OpenAI-compatible API
- GLM Coding Plans
- Vision models
- Tool calling
| Feature | Grok API | Z.ai API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Developer API for Grok text, image, video and voice 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 | SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI) | Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) |
| 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 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
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
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 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 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.
Grok API vs Z.ai API FAQ
What is the difference between Grok API and Z.ai API?
Grok API: Developer API for Grok text, image, video and voice models. Z.ai API: Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Grok API or Z.ai API cheaper?
Grok API starts at See pricing page and Z.ai API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Grok API and Z.ai API have free plans?
Grok API: No. Z.ai API: No.
Who makes Grok API?
Grok API is made by SpaceX Super Intelligence (formerly xAI), based in United States.
Who makes Z.ai API?
Z.ai API is made by Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI), based in China.
Which should I choose, Grok API or Z.ai API?
Choose Grok API if you value live x data access and compatible with common sdks. Choose Z.ai API if you value low cost for strong coding models and fixed-price coding plans.