Last updated: · Methodology
Comparison
| Tool | Rank | Tier · score | Free tier | Paid | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropic Claude API ⚠ Sonnet/Haiku verified; Opus row on fetched page was ambiguous | #1 | S 9.0 | None shown | Sonnet 5.5 $2 in / $10 out per MTok; Haiku 5.5 $0.50 / $2.50; Opus 5.5 and Fable 5.1 listed (see page) | Agents and coding backends |
| Google Gemini API ⚠ Paid rates unverified | #2 | S 8.8 | Free tier: limited models, input/output at no cost | Paid tier for higher limits, caching and batch (rates unverified) | Cheap prototyping, multimodal/long video |
| OpenAI API ⚠ Not fetched; unverified | #3 | A 8.6 | Unverified | Unverified | GPT-6 family apps |
| ElevenLabs API | #4 | A 8.2 | Free: 10k credits/mo | Starter $6; Creator $22; Pro $99; Scale $299; Business $990 per month | Adding voice/TTS to apps |
⚠ marks a price or plan detail we couldn't fully confirm on the official page. Scores: 0.4×Quality + 0.2×Ease + 0.2×Value + 0.2×Momentum, editorial judgments, not lab tests.
Who should pick which
- Pick Anthropic Claude API for: Agents and coding backends.
- Pick Google Gemini API for: Cheap prototyping, multimodal/long video.
- Pick OpenAI API for: GPT-6 family apps.
- Pick ElevenLabs API for: Adding voice/TTS to apps.
FAQ
Which AI model API has a free tier?
On our board: Google Gemini API: Free tier: limited models, input/output at no cost; ElevenLabs API: Free: 10k credits/mo. Others show no free tier, or we couldn't verify one.
How much does the Anthropic Claude API cost?
Sonnet 5.5 $2 in / $10 out per MTok; Haiku 5.5 $0.50 / $2.50; Opus 5.5 and Fable 5.1 listed (see page). Note: Sonnet/Haiku verified; Opus row on fetched page was ambiguous.
Which API should I use to add voice to my app?
ElevenLabs API (A · 8.2/10) is best for adding voice/TTS to apps. Free: Free: 10k credits/mo. Paid: Starter $6; Creator $22; Pro $99; Scale $299; Business $990 per month.
How does ToolTier rank these tools?
Each tool is scored 1–10 on quality (40%), ease (20%), price/value (20%), and momentum (20%). Scores are editorial judgments built from public benchmarks, published reviews, and official pricing pages, not hands-on lab tests yet. We re-check the rankings every Monday and log every change. How we rank.
Does ToolTier get paid by these tools?
Of the tools on this page: ElevenLabs API runs an affiliate program; we found no affiliate program for Anthropic Claude API, Google Gemini API, OpenAI API. Some links on ToolTier are or may become affiliate links, which can pay us if you buy. Rankings are never for sale, and payment never changes a ranking. How we make money.
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