Model APIs and platforms
LiteLLM: review, pricing, data and alternatives
LiteLLM lets developers call multiple model providers through a common API. It distributes requests, switches providers after failures, and supports spending tracking, budgets, usage limits, and management of keys and permissions. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 68/100, #9 of 23 in its category.
What is LiteLLM?
LiteLLM lets developers call multiple model providers through a common API. It distributes requests, switches providers after failures, and supports spending tracking, budgets, usage limits, and management of keys and permissions.
According to its documentation, LiteLLM lets you:
- call multiple model providers through a common API
- distribute requests across multiple models
- switch to another provider in case of failure
- track spending by user or team
- set budgets and usage limits
- manage keys and permissions through an interface
We file it under Model APIs and platforms, the category of tools to access models through an API, and it also overlaps with lLMOps and observability and developer tools. The category lists 23 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Berrie AI Incorporated, based in United States. The service launched in 2023, which gives it some track record.
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.
LiteLLM is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you must keep your data in Europe or on your own machine
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
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 LiteLLM cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). Basic use costs nothing.
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 on your device (local processing).
Local processing is the most favourable case: your files do not leave your machine for the features concerned.
No export feature is documented: keep a copy of your content elsewhere.
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
LiteLLM runs on: web browser, Windows, macOS, Linux, 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.
The source code is public: BerriAIBerriAI/litellm.
How we scored it
Our 68/100 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.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 33/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
LiteLLM against other tools in the model APIs and platforms category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiteLLM | Yes | not published | Yes | 68 |
| Prodia | Yes | $0 pay as you go | Yes | 78 |
| Groq | Yes | $0.03 pay as you go | Yes | 76 |
| Hugging Face | Yes | $9 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Together AI | Yes | $0 pay as you go | Yes | 71 |
| Baseten | Yes | $0.1 pay as you go | Yes | 68 |
| Cloudflare Clef | Yes | $0.04 pay as you go | Yes | 68 |
| fal | Yes | $0 pay as you go | Yes | 68 |
Verdict
LiteLLM is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Public source code
- Local processing available
- Established since 2023
Limitations
- Data export not documented
Avoid if…
- You need to easily retrieve your full history
Alternatives
- Prodiafree tier
- Groqfree tier
- Hugging Facefree tier
- Together AIfree tier
- Basetenfree tier
- Cloudflare Cleffree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is LiteLLM free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is LiteLLM data stored?
According to the publisher, on your device (local processing).
Does LiteLLM have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to LiteLLM?
In the same category: Prodia, Groq, Hugging Face, and Together AI.
LiteLLM or Prodia: which one to choose?
Our score is 68/100 for LiteLLM and 78/100 for Prodia. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score