Groq: review, pricing, data and alternatives

What is Groq?

Groq provides API access to language models and transcribes audio recordings. It serves people who want to produce JSON responses, call tools from a model or run batch processing.

According to its documentation, Groq lets you:

• query language models through an API
• transcribe audio recordings
• produce responses in JSON format
• call tools from a model
• run batch processing

We file it under Model APIs and platforms, the category of tools to access models through an API, and it also overlaps with speech to text. The category lists 23 verified tools on this site.

The publisher is Groq, Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2024.

Who is it for?

It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers and data analysts. The need it covers is simple to state: access models through an API.

Groq is a good candidate if:

• you want to try before paying
• you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API

Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.

How much does Groq cost?

Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.

The first paid plan costs $0.03 pay as you go (Llama Prompt Guard 2 22M, preview moderation model: USD 0.03 per million input tokens and the same for output; rates vary by model), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.

To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.

Data and privacy

According to its privacy policy, data is processed in the United States.

For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.

Exporting your content: JSON via API. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.

Three habits apply to every AI tool:

• turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
• use a work account separate from your personal account
• review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it

Platforms, languages and API

Groq runs on: web browser and API.

Interface languages: English.

A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.

How we scored it

Our 76/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.

The full calculation is explained on our method page.

Comparison with alternatives

Groq against other tools in the model APIs and platforms category: