Choose an AI provider

Dozens of companies ship AI models and APIs. The right choice depends on the job, not the hype. This short guide walks through five questions worth answering before you commit — then points you back to the directory to compare official provider sites.

1. Start with the job, not the model

List what you actually need the tool to do. The answer narrows the field faster than any feature comparison:

• Casual chat, writing and research → a consumer subscription is usually enough.
• AI features inside your own product → a developer API with stable documentation.
• Occasional document or batch processing → pay-per-use usually beats a subscription.
• Full control over your data and models → self-hosting open-weight models may fit better.

2. Decide how you want to access models

There are four common routes, and they can be combined:

• Direct from the model developer — first-party apps, documentation and billing.
• Cloud marketplaces — models bundled into a cloud account you already have.
• API aggregators and routers — one key for many providers; useful for comparing or fallback.
• Self-hosted open-weight models — you run the model on your own infrastructure.

Whatever route you take, confirm you are on the provider's official site before creating an account or pasting an API key. The AIProvider directory lists official websites only — search the directory instead of trusting an ad or an unverified listing.

3. Compare total cost, not the headline price

• Check for a free tier and test it with your real tasks before paying.
• Subscriptions suit steady personal use; pay-per-token suits spiky or technical workloads.
• Check rate limits, minimums and the provider's own pricing pages — both can change.
• Estimate a monthly total and leave room for growth.

4. Read the privacy and data terms

• Data retention and training opt-outs differ between providers — and between consumer and developer plans of the same provider.
• Business or regulated data may require enterprise terms with specific guarantees.
• Read the provider's own privacy policy and terms; do not rely on summaries.

5. Verify before you trust

Lookalike domains and unofficial resellers exist in every popular category. Before you sign up or pay:

1. Open the site from a curated directory or a link you already trust.
2. Confirm the domain matches the provider's official documentation.
3. Never enter payment details or API keys from an unverified ad or message.

Official links only: AIProvider links only to official provider websites, and every listing is reviewed before it appears. Open the directory to start comparing.

How the directory is funded

AIProvider is an independent directory supported by clearly labelled direct sponsorship; advertising does not determine which providers are listed. See sponsorship details.