Groq vs DashScope 2026: Which API Is Actually Cheaper?
Quick verdict: Groq is our overall pick for Groq vs DashScope.
Groq (4.2/5) and DashScope (3.8/5) both serve AI API inference, but with very different model rosters and pricing. Groq starts at $0.05/1M tokens with a free tier, while DashScope starts at ¥0.20/1M tokens (~$0.03) with a free tier. Here is how they actually compare on speed, model selection, and true cost.
| Tool | Rating | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groq Best overall Best free | 4.2/5 | Free $0.05/1M tokens | Groq runs open-source LLMs on custom LPU chips that deliver 500+ tokens per second — the f… |
| DashScope Best for teams | 3.8/5 | Free ¥0.20/1M tokens (~$0.03) | DashScope is Alibaba Cloud's AI model service — Qwen, GLM, MiniMax and other Chinese model… |
Bottom line: Groq is the fastest open-model inference API with a generous no-credit-card free tier and global USD billing. DashScope has Qwen at very competitive prices and native Chinese support, but requires Alibaba Cloud billing. Pick Groq for speed and global developer experience; pick DashScope if you primarily use Qwen or other Chinese models and cost per token is your top concern.
Pricing and details
Groq · 4.2/5
Free plan available · $0.05/1M tokens
Pay-per-token, no monthly fees; free tier: 30 req/min, 6000 tokens/min, 14400 req/day, all models, no credit card; paid = Developer pay-as-you-go (rate limit increases with usage); cheapest: Llama 3.1 8B $0.05/$0.08 per 1M; flagship Llama 3.3 70B $0.59/$0.79 per 1M; Batch API + prompt caching each 50% off (~25% stacked)
Groq runs open-source LLMs on custom LPU chips that deliver 500+ tokens per second — the fastest inference API available, with a generous free tier and no credit card required.
Score breakdown
Pros
- Best dimension: Value for money at 5/5 — backed by verification against the official site & pricing.
- Second strong point: Core features at 4/5.
- Pricing: Pay-per-token, no monthly fees
- Positioning: Groq runs open-source LLMs on custom LPU chips that deliver 500+ tokens per second — the fastest inference API available, with a generous free tier and no credit card required.
Cons
- Weakest dimension: Collaboration at 2/5.
- Weigh collaboration before committing.
Pricing verified 2026-09-07
DashScope · 3.8/5
Free plan available · ¥0.20/1M tokens (~$0.03)
Pay-per-token in CNY; Qwen3.6-Flash ¥0.20/1M input / ¥1.20 output (~$0.03/$0.17); Qwen3.7-Plus ¥0.32/¥1.28 (~$0.05/$0.18); Qwen3.8-Max $2.00/$6.00 per 1M (GA Aug 2026); free signup credits vary by promotion (historical: free tier with RPM/daily caps); billing in CNY via Alibaba Cloud; full Chinese UI + docs
DashScope is Alibaba Cloud's AI model service — Qwen, GLM, MiniMax and other Chinese models with OpenAI-compatible API, free credit promotions, and native Chinese support.
Score breakdown
Pros
- Best dimension: Localization at 5/5 — backed by verification against the official site & pricing.
- Second strong point: Stability at 4/5.
- Pricing: Pay-per-token in CNY
- Positioning: DashScope is Alibaba Cloud's AI model service — Qwen, GLM, MiniMax and other Chinese models with OpenAI-compatible API, free credit promotions, and native Chinese support.
Cons
- Weakest dimension: Collaboration at 3/5.
- Weigh collaboration before committing.
Pricing verified 2026-09-07
Frequently asked questions
Which is better overall, Groq or DashScope?
Groq is our overall pick (4.2/5 vs 3.8/5). Groq (4.2/5) and DashScope (3.8/5) both serve AI API inference, but with very different model rosters and pricing. Groq starts at $0.05/1M tokens with a free tier, while DashScope starts at ¥0.20/1M tokens (~$0.03) with a free tier. Here is how they actually compare on speed, model selection, and true cost.
Do Groq and DashScope offer free plans?
Groq and DashScope have a free tier. Groq paid plans start at $0.05/1M tokens; DashScope paid plans start at ¥0.20/1M tokens (~$0.03).
What does Groq cost?
$0.05/1M tokens — Pay-per-token, no monthly fees; free tier: 30 req/min, 6000 tokens/min, 14400 req/day, all models, no credit card; paid = Developer pay-as-you-go (rate limit increases with usage); cheapest: Llama 3.1 8B $0.05/$0.08 per 1M; flagship Llama 3.3 70B $0.59/$0.79 per 1M; Batch API + prompt caching each 50% off (~25% stacked). Prices were last verified on 2026-09-07.