Free LLM APIs Compared (2026): FreeTheAI, OpenRouter, Groq, Gemini, and NVIDIA
By Vibhek SoniUpdated 3 min read
Quick answer
For chat apps and roleplay, FreeTheAI and OpenRouter's free models are the easiest: one key, many models, OpenAI-compatible. Groq is the fastest for small open models, Google's Gemini API has a generous free tier for Gemini only, and NVIDIA's API catalog is best for trying many open models at up to 40 requests a minute.
Key takeaways
- Every limit below was checked on each provider's own documentation on October 2, 2026. Limits change; follow the links before you build on them.
- Daily request caps matter more than per-minute caps for chat apps.
- Token-per-day limits (Groq) run out before request limits on long chats.
- One OpenAI-compatible key that covers many models saves the most setup time.
Free tiers at a glance
| Service | Free allowance | API style | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeTheAI | 50 requests a day to start (more for linking Discord or donating a key), after a daily check-in | OpenAI, Anthropic Messages, and Responses | Roleplay apps, coding agents, trying many models with one key |
| OpenRouter (free models) | 50 requests a day and 20 a minute; 1,000 a day once you have bought 10 credits | OpenAI | Trying many free models |
| Groq | 30 requests a minute; daily caps per model, for example 1,000 requests and 200K tokens a day on gpt-oss-120b | OpenAI | Very fast replies from small open models |
| Google Gemini API | A free tier with per-model limits shown in AI Studio; daily limits reset at midnight Pacific | Gemini (and an OpenAI-compatible endpoint) | Gemini models only |
| NVIDIA API catalog | Free for prototyping, up to 40 requests a minute on most models | OpenAI | Testing open models before you host them |
Sources: OpenRouter limits, Groq rate limits, Gemini API rate limits, NVIDIA build, and our own plans page.
Best free API for roleplay apps
JanitorAI, SillyTavern, Chub AI, and RisuAI need an OpenAI-compatible endpoint, models that write well in long chats, and enough daily requests for a real conversation. FreeTheAI and OpenRouter both fit. FreeTheAI's free models include GLM 5.3, Kimi K3, and MiniMax M3, and each app has a tested setup guide: JanitorAI, SillyTavern, Chub AI, RisuAI.
Groq's small models are fast but have short daily token budgets, which long roleplay chats use up quickly.
Best free API for coding agents
Coding agents send many requests per task, with tool calls. Per-minute limits (NVIDIA's 40, OpenRouter's 20) slow agents down; daily caps decide how much you get done. Claude Code needs the Anthropic Messages format, which FreeTheAI serves for every free model, and Codex needs the Responses API, which FreeTheAI also serves. See Claude Code with free models.
Best free API for a side project
- One model, high volume: Groq for small open models, or the Gemini API if Gemini fits your task.
- Many models, one key: FreeTheAI or OpenRouter. Switching models is a one-line change.
- Planning to self-host later: the NVIDIA API catalog uses the same API as a model you host yourself.
Free tiers are for building and personal use. Read each provider's terms before you put real customers on one.
Getting started with FreeTheAI
- Sign up at freetheai.org/signup and confirm your email.
- Create a key under Dashboard > API keys.
- Check in once a day at freetheai.org/checkin.
- Use
https://api.freetheai.org/v1as the base URL with a model such asfta/zai/glm-5.3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free LLM API in 2026?
It depends on the job. For chat and roleplay apps, FreeTheAI or OpenRouter's free models. For speed on small models, Groq. For Gemini, Google's own free tier. For testing open models, NVIDIA's API catalog.
Which free LLM API has the most requests per day?
Groq's smaller models allow the most requests a day, but they also cap tokens per day. OpenRouter allows 1,000 free-model requests a day once you have bought 10 credits. FreeTheAI starts at 50 a day and grows when you link Discord or donate a key.
Do I need a credit card for these free APIs?
Not for FreeTheAI or for OpenRouter's free models. Check each provider's signup page for its own requirements.
Are these limits up to date?
They were checked on each provider's documentation on October 2, 2026. Providers change limits often, so follow the source links before relying on them.
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About the author
Vibhek Soni founded FreeTheAI and builds and runs its API. He answers the support tickets these posts come from.
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