Best LLM APIs for Side Projects in 2026 (Budget Friendly)
Published: October 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Pricing data as of Nov 4, 2026 - verify current rates on the official site before purchase
Building a side project? You don't need expensive enterprise LLM APIs to get started. We tested all the budget-friendly LLM APIs for indie hackers and side projects.
1. Google Gemini API
Google Gemini API is the cheapest option for side projects, with a 1M token context window and a generous free tier, perfect for launching your MVP without spending a dollar.
2. OpenAI API
OpenAI API has the best ecosystem and documentation, and their GPT-5.4 mini model is extremely cheap (from $0.75 per 1M input tokens), perfect for side projects that need rock-solid reliability.
3. Groq
Groq offers the fastest LLM inference on the market, with speeds up to 500 tokens per second. Their free tier is perfect for building chatbots and real-time AI features in your side project.
4. DeepSeek
DeepSeek offers 60-80% cheaper pricing than OpenAI's GPT-5.4 mini. It's the best choice if you're building an AI coding side project.
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