kitio.aiZ.ai API vs AI/ML API
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Z.ai API starts at See pricing page and AI/ML 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
- GLM flagship and Flash models
- OpenAI-compatible API
- GLM Coding Plans
- Vision models
- Tool calling
- 1,000+ models in one API
- Per-model price list
- Playground
- MCP server
- Image, video and audio models
| Feature | Z.ai API | AI/ML API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models | One API and bill for over 1,000 text, image, video and audio models |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) | AI/ML API |
| Based in | China | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Z.ai API starts at See pricing page and AI/ML 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
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
AI/ML API
- One key and bill for many providers
- Transparent per-token pricing
- Works with Claude and Cursor via MCP
- Adds a middle layer between you and providers
- Prices differ slightly from direct APIs
- Large catalog can be hard to navigate
Which one should you choose?
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.
Choose AI/ML API if you want:
- One key and bill for many providers
- Transparent per-token pricing
- Works with Claude and Cursor via MCP
Watch out: adds a middle layer between you and providers.
Z.ai API vs AI/ML API FAQ
What is the difference between Z.ai API and AI/ML API?
Z.ai API: Pay-per-token API and coding plans for Zhipu's GLM models. AI/ML API: One API and bill for over 1,000 text, image, video and audio models. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Z.ai API or AI/ML API cheaper?
Z.ai API starts at See pricing page and AI/ML API starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Z.ai API and AI/ML API have free plans?
Z.ai API: No. AI/ML API: Yes.
Who makes Z.ai API?
Z.ai API is made by Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI), based in China.
Who makes AI/ML API?
AI/ML API is made by AI/ML API.
Which should I choose, Z.ai API or AI/ML API?
Choose Z.ai API if you value low cost for strong coding models and fixed-price coding plans. Choose AI/ML API if you value one key and bill for many providers and transparent per-token pricing.