Free LLM API — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about using free LLM APIs with your coding tools.

Are the free LLM APIs on freellm.net really free?

Yes. Every model listed on freellm.net offers a free tier — either from the provider directly (Google AI Studio, Groq, NVIDIA NIM) or through a free routing service (OpenRouter). Some providers require credit card verification for signup, but you will not be charged unless you explicitly upgrade to a paid plan. We label models that require no credit card at all as "No Credit Card Required".

How do I use a free LLM model with Cursor?

Go to Cursor Settings > Models, add a custom model, and enter the model name and Base URL from the model's detail page on freellm.net. Get your API key from the provider, paste it in Cursor, and you're ready. You can also use our one-click config generator for instant setup with any supported tool.

How do I use a free LLM model with Claude Code?

Claude Code supports custom API providers. Get your API key from the provider (e.g., Google AI Studio, Groq), then copy the config snippet from our model detail page or the Config page. Paste it into your Claude Code settings, and you're ready to go.

Why do some free APIs ask for a credit card?

Some providers (like Google AI Studio) require a credit card or billing account for identity verification and abuse prevention. You will not be charged on the free tier. API keys without billing enabled are often rate-limited — adding a billing account usually unlocks higher rate limits while staying free. We clearly mark which models require no credit card at all.

What happens when a free model becomes paid?

We track free status changes daily on our changelog. When a model transitions from free to paid, we update its detail page with a prominent banner. You can always browse our free model directory to find alternatives — we list 100+ free models across multiple providers.

How do I get an API key for a free LLM?

Each model detail page has a "Get API Key" button that links directly to the provider's signup page. Most providers let you create an API key instantly after creating a free account:

What is an OpenAI-compatible API?

An OpenAI-compatible API accepts requests in the same format as OpenAI's /chat/completions endpoint. This means you can use the OpenAI Python/JavaScript SDK to call these models — just change the base_url to the provider's endpoint. Most AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, Codex) also support OpenAI-compatible endpoints. We mark OpenAI compatibility on each model page.

How often is the model data updated?

Model data is updated daily via automated GitHub Actions. We check for new models, removed models, rate limit changes, and free status changes every 24 hours. All changes are documented on our changelog page.

Which free model should I choose for coding?

For coding, look for models tagged "coding" on our browse page. Google Gemini models (via AI Studio) offer generous free tiers and strong code generation. Groq provides fast inference for Llama and Mixtral models. If you need deep reasoning, look for models tagged "reasoning". Use our Compare page to compare models side by side.

Can I use these models in production?

Free tier APIs come with rate limits that may not be suitable for production workloads. However, many providers offer paid tiers with higher limits using the same API. You can prototype and test with the free tier, then upgrade to a paid plan when you need more capacity. Always check the provider's terms of service for commercial use policies.