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.

OpenAI API data policy

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