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Updated 2025-02-23

Products

OpenAI API

OpenAI's developer API. Token-based pricing for GPT-4o, embeddings, and more. Build custom apps and integrations.

Entry:Per token Data:Partial Best for:Custom workflows, developers

Use cases

Custom apps and integrations Chatbots and assistants Embeddings and RAG Structured output Batch processing Fine-tuning (select models)

Pricing model

Pay-per-token. No subscription. Input and output priced separately. Batch API for discounts. Scale tier for high volume.
GPT-4o
$5 in / $20 out per 1M tokens
Flagship; fast
GPT-4 Turbo
$10 in / $30 out per 1M tokens
128K context
GPT-4o mini
Lower
Cost-effective for high volume
Embeddings
Per 1M tokens
For search, RAG
Batch API
Discounted
Non-time-sensitive
Scale tier
Fixed daily rates
High-volume users

Source: OpenAI API pricing

Business fit

Pros

  • No per-user subscription; pay for usage
  • Full control over integration
  • Batch and scale tiers for cost control
  • Wide ecosystem and tooling
  • Same models as ChatGPT

Cons

  • You build and maintain integration
  • Token costs can spike with volume
  • No built-in UI; developer effort required
  • Vendor lock-in to OpenAI
When it makes sense: Good for teams with dev capacity who need custom workflows. Use when ChatGPT's UI or plan limits don't fit. Estimate volume with our Cost Calculator.

Data handling

API data: not used for training by default. Check terms. Enterprise options for stricter controls.
GDPR / compliance: Enterprise DPA available. Check platform terms.
Data sovereignty: Enterprise data residency options.