OpenAI API vs Together AI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenAI API and Together AI comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OpenAI API
API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • API access to GPT-4, DALL-E, Whisper, and other frontier AI models
- • Chat completions API with function calling and streaming
Together AI
Open-source AI model platform
Best for you if:
- • You need serverless features specifically
- • Together AI is an inference platform for open-source AI models
- • It provides fast, affordable access to leading open models
| At a Glance |  OpenAI API |  Together AI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Serverless |
Rating | 95/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | OpenAI API | Together AI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 95 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsAI Model Deployment | ServerlessAI Model Deployment |
How OpenAI API and Together AI Compare
OpenAI API
API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper
Paid · 95/100 score
Together AI
Open-source AI model platform
Paid · 84/100 score
OpenAI API is a api tools tool. Together AI is in serverless.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: OpenAI API
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenAI API: 95/100. Together AI: 84/100.
Go with: OpenAI API
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenAI API
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
OpenAI API is a api tools tool. Together AI is in serverless. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OpenAI API scores higher: 95/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
OpenAI API
- Higher score: 95/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Together AI
- Better fit for serverless
The Bottom Line
OpenAI API (95/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenAI API or Together AI better?
OpenAI API scores 95/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are OpenAI API and Together AI used for?
OpenAI API: API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper. Together AI: Open-source AI model platform.
What does OpenAI API cost vs Together AI?
OpenAI API is a paid tool. Together AI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.