The Cheapest AI Models: Lowest API Pricing

Find the most cost-effective AI models on the market. These models provide high-tier performance at the absolute lowest price point.

Elite Performers

Frontier Model	LMArena Elo	API Cost (1M)	Throughput
llama-3.1-8b-instruct	1211	$2e-8	33
llama-3.2-1b-instruct	1110	$2.7e-8	8
gpt-oss-20b	1318	$3e-8	54
llama-3-8b-instruct	1222	$3e-8	29
amazon-nova-micro-v1.0	1240	$3.5e-8	87
gpt-oss-120b	1354	$3.9e-8	37
gemma-3-12b-it	1341	$4e-8	9

*These models represent the Pareto Frontier (optimal cost-to-performance).*