Comparison6 min readAugust 1, 2026
What is the Cheapest AI API in 2026?
A data-driven comparison of every major AI API in 2026, ranked by price per million tokens. Includes DeepSeek V4, GPT-5.6 Luna, Gemini Flash, Claude Haiku, and Chinese alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest AI API in 2026?
DeepSeek V4 Flash at $0.14/$0.28 per 1M tokens (input/output) is the cheapest AI API in 2026. It matches GPT-5.6-class capability for most tasks at roughly 1/10 the cost of GPT-5.6 standard pricing.
Is DeepSeek cheaper than GPT?
Yes, dramatically. DeepSeek V4 Flash costs $0.14 per 1M input tokens vs GPT-5.6's standard $2.50/1M input (about 18x cheaper). For output tokens, DeepSeek V4 Flash is $0.28/1M vs GPT-5.6's $15/1M (about 53x cheaper).
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