kitio.aiKimi API vs Z.ai API
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Kimi 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
- Long-context models
- Coding-tuned models
- OpenAI and Anthropic formats
- Cache-hit discounts
- Tool calling
- GLM flagship and Flash models
- OpenAI-compatible API
- GLM Coding Plans
- Vision models
- Tool calling
| Feature | Kimi API | Z.ai API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moonshot AI's developer API for Kimi long-context and coding 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 | Moonshot AI | Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) |
| Based in | China | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Both offer: Tool calling.
Pricing compared
Kimi 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
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
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 Kimi API if you want:
- Strong agentic coding models
- Works with popular coding tools
- Open weights available
Watch out: flagship pricing rose 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.
Kimi API vs Z.ai API FAQ
What is the difference between Kimi API and Z.ai API?
Kimi API: Moonshot AI's developer API for Kimi long-context and coding models. Z.ai API: Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Kimi API or Z.ai API cheaper?
Kimi API starts at See pricing page and Z.ai API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Kimi API and Z.ai API have free plans?
Kimi API: No. Z.ai API: No.
Who makes Kimi API?
Kimi API is made by Moonshot AI, 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, Kimi API or Z.ai API?
Choose Kimi API if you value strong agentic coding models and works with popular coding tools. Choose Z.ai API if you value low cost for strong coding models and fixed-price coding plans.