Cheaper Inference

Cheaper Inference

Cheaper Inference is a unified API gateway that provides discounted access to leading AI models from multiple providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. By aggregating excess inference capacity from AI companies, the platform passes savings of up to 30% below direct list prices to developers and businesses.

Key Features

• OpenAI-Compatible API: Drop-in replacement requiring only base URL and API key changes
• Multi-Provider Access: Access models from OpenAI (GPT-5.4, GPT-4o), Anthropic (Claude Opus 4.6), Google (Gemini), and more through one endpoint
• Usage-Based Pricing: Pay only for what you use with no monthly minimums or contracts
• Low Entry Barrier: Fund from $5 and receive $10 bonus credits on first payment
• Live Market Pricing: Real-time rates that update automatically, never exceeding direct provider prices
• No Data Retention: Prompts and responses are not stored in application databases
• Advanced Controls: API keys with model restrictions, IP allowlists, rate limits, concurrency caps, and monthly budgets
• Comprehensive Observability: Request history with token usage, costs, savings tracking, and daily spend charts
• Playground: Built-in testing environment for chat completions and image generation
• Team Collaboration: Workspace roles (Owner, Manager, Developer, Billing, Viewer) with shared wallet
• Referral Program: Earn $10 credits for each referred user who funds their account

Use Cases

• Cost Optimization: Reduce AI inference costs for production workloads without code changes
• Multi-Model Applications: Switch between providers/models per request for optimal cost/performance
• Development & Testing: Low-cost experimentation with various models before production commitment
• Enterprise Workloads: Volume discounts and dedicated support for high-usage teams
• Capacity Sellers: AI companies with excess reserved capacity can monetize unused inference

Technical Details

• Base URL: https://api.cheaperinference.com/v1
• Authentication: Bearer token (ir_live_...)
• Supported Endpoints: /v1/chat/completions, /v1/images/generations, /v1/models, /v1/uploads
• SDK Compatibility: Works with official OpenAI Python and JavaScript SDKs
• Streaming: Supported on compatible models via SSE
• Vision: Up to 10 images per request (5MB each, 23MB total base64)
• Prompt Caching: Pass-through cache_control with provider-specific rates
• Automatic Fallback: Failed requests retry on alternative routes at equal or lower cost