Groq
groq.com
Ultra-fast AI inference — run Llama, Mistral, and Gemma at blazing speeds, free for developers.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Writing & Chat
- Pricing:
- Freemium
- Platforms:
- Web, API
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- API Available:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Groq?
Groq provides ultra-fast LLM inference through its custom LPU (Language Processing Unit) hardware, achieving 500-1,000+ tokens per second — among the fastest inference speeds available in the industry. Pricing is straightforward per-token with no idle infrastructure fees or elastic pricing spikes: the cheapest model, Llama 3.1 8B, runs $0.05/million input and $0.08/million output tokens, while the more capable Llama 3.3 70B costs $0.59/million input and $0.79/million output.
Its cost-reduction options are genuinely valuable for the right workload: the Batch API offers a 50% discount on standard per-token rates for non-real-time workloads, and prompt caching delivers another 50% savings on cached input tokens — particularly useful for applications that repeatedly reuse long system prompts. A genuinely usable free tier (30 requests/minute, no credit card required) makes prototyping accessible before committing to paid usage.
It's aimed at developers needing extremely fast LLM inference for latency-sensitive applications, with the combination of genuinely low per-token pricing and batch/caching discounts making it cost-effective for both real-time and non-real-time workloads. See our AI Universe for related fast inference platforms like Fireworks AI.
What Can You Use Groq For?
Ultra-fast LLM inference
Provides extremely fast inference speeds (500-1,000+ tokens/second) for latency-sensitive applications.
Batch processing workloads
Processes non-real-time inference at a 50% discount via the Batch API.
Prompt-cached applications
Reuses long system prompts at reduced cost through prompt caching.
Groq Features
- LPU hardware acceleration — Uses custom Language Processing Unit hardware for extremely fast inference speeds.
- Simple per-token pricing — Charges purely per token with no idle infrastructure fees or pricing spikes.
- Batch API discount — Offers 50% off standard rates for non-real-time batch workloads.
- Prompt caching — Provides 50% savings on cached input tokens for reused prompts.
Who Is Groq For?
- Developers needing low-latency inference — Gets extremely fast inference speeds for latency-sensitive applications.
- Teams with reusable prompt patterns — Uses prompt caching for meaningful cost savings on repeated system prompts.
Groq Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely among the fastest inference speeds available (500-1,000+ tokens/second)
- Extremely low per-token pricing, especially for smaller models like Llama 3.1 8B
- Batch API and prompt caching each offer real 50% discounts for the right workload patterns
Limitations
- More capable models (Llama 3.3 70B) cost significantly more per token than the cheapest tier
- Free tier’s 30 requests/minute limit requires upgrading for higher-throughput applications
- Best value specifically for workloads that can leverage batch processing or prompt caching
Groq Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 30 requests/minute, no credit card required |
| Llama 3.1 8B | $0.05/$0.08 per 1M tokens (input/output) | Cheapest model tier |
| Llama 3.3 70B | $0.59/$0.79 per 1M tokens (input/output) | More capable model tier |
| Batch API | 50% off standard rates | Non-real-time processing discount |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #484
- Overall Score:
- 42.6/100
- Monthly Users:
- 1.9M+
- Rank Change:
- ▼ 460
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Groq or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Groq’s inference?
500-1,000+ tokens per second, among the fastest available.
How much does Groq cost?
From $0.05/million input tokens (Llama 3.1 8B) up to $0.59/million (Llama 3.3 70B).
Does Groq offer batch discounts?
Yes, the Batch API offers 50% off standard rates for non-real-time workloads.
Is there a free tier?
Yes, 30 requests/minute with no credit card required.
Our Take
Groq's LPU hardware genuinely delivers among the fastest inference speeds available, making it a strong choice for latency-sensitive applications.
Its Batch API and prompt caching discounts offer real cost savings for workloads that can leverage them, on top of already low per-token pricing.
Groq Alternatives
Groq Comparisons
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