Groq
Groq is an AI inference platform built on its custom Language Processing Unit (LPU), a purpose-built semiconductor designed for fast, low-latency model execution.
Our verdict
Who it's for
Ultra-fast LLM inference platform
Who should look elsewhere
No proprietary frontier model, relies entirely on open-source model ecosystem
Pros
- +Fastest inference speeds available, often 500-1000+ tokens per second on supported models
- +Transparent per-token pricing with no monthly fees or minimum spend
- +Drop-in replacement for OpenAI API with minimal integration effort
- +Wide model selection spanning LLMs, speech recognition, and text-to-speech
- +Prompt caching and batch API cut costs significantly for high-volume workloads
Cons
- −No proprietary frontier model, relies entirely on open-source model ecosystem
- −Model selection is narrower than major cloud providers like AWS Bedrock or Azure AI
- −Text-to-speech limited to a small number of languages and voices
- −No built-in fine-tuning or model customization capabilities
- −Enterprise on-premises pricing requires custom sales engagement with no public rates
Key features
- ✓Custom LPU inference chip delivering sub-second latency on large language models
- ✓OpenAI-compatible API requiring minimal code changes to migrate existing applications
- ✓Support for 10+ open-source LLMs including Llama 4, Qwen3, and GPT-OSS families
- ✓Whisper-based automatic speech recognition at up to 228x real-time speed
- ✓Text-to-speech generation via Canopy Labs Orpheus models in multiple languages
- ✓Prompt caching with 50% input token discount for repeated context
- ✓Batch API for asynchronous large-scale workloads at 50% reduced cost
- ✓Built-in compound tools: web search, code execution, and browser automation
- ✓Multi-region cloud deployment with on-premises GroqRack option for enterprises
- ✓Linear usage-based pricing with no hidden fees or minimum commitments
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Billing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | $0 | month | Rate-limited access to all models; OpenAI-compatible API; Community support |
| Pay-as-you-go | — | month | Llama 3.1 8B from $0.05/M input tokens; Llama 4 Scout from $0.11/M input tokens; Qwen3 32B from $0.29/M input tokens |
| Enterprise | — | month | Custom rate limits and SLAs; On-premises GroqRack deployment; Dedicated support |