Groq alternatives for open-weight model inference
Groq runs models on LPUs, chips it designs for inference, and lists a speed for each model it serves. If you are weighing other options for open-weight models, the alternatives below are Cerebras, Together AI, Fireworks AI, OpenRouter and HIPS, which is in early access by invitation. Each fact links to its source.
Published by HIPS. Not affiliated with Groq.
- Published by
- HIPS
- Sources
- 11 pages, each linked
- Checked on
- Nov 13, 2026
- HIPS access
- Early access, by invitation
We are inviting early-access interest while we develop the platform.
What Groq does well
From Groq's own pages.
Runs inference on LPUs, chips Groq designs for it.
Groq's home page, checkedGPT OSS 120B at $0.15 input and $0.60 output per million tokens, at a listed 500 tokens per second.
Groq's models page, checkedGPT OSS 20B at $0.075 input and $0.30 output per million tokens, at a listed 1,000 tokens per second.
Groq's models page, checkedPrompt caching at no extra cost, with cached input tokens at a 50% discount.
Groq's prompt caching docs, checkedBy default, Groq does not retain customer data for inference requests.
Groq's data docs, checked
Why teams look elsewhere
From Groq's own documented terms.
Its models page lists Llama, GPT OSS and Whisper models in production.
Groq's models page, checkedSome production models on its models page show Contact Sales in place of a price.
Groq's models page, checked
What to compare
HIPS's side in its own public words; Groq's from its own pages.
| What to check | HIPS | Groq |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | HIPS publishes no speed figure. | GPT OSS 120B at $0.15 input and $0.60 output per million tokens, at a listed 500 tokens per second.Groq's models page, checked |
| Batch | Batch costs 50% less than on-demand for the same model, with one price for every window from 24 hours to 7 days. On HIPS's site | Batch at a 50% discount, with a window you set from 24 hours to 7 days.Groq's batch docs, checked |
| Cached input | Cached input tokens have their own rate per model and are billed automatically, with no cache-write charge. The Community pool bills no cached tokens. On HIPS's site | Prompt caching at no extra cost, with cached input tokens at a 50% discount.Groq's prompt caching docs, checked |
| Request data by default | On Free/PAYG, request inputs and generated outputs may be used for training. On the lower paid plan and the higher paid plan, request-data training is off by default. On HIPS's site | By default, Groq does not retain customer data for inference requests.Groq's data docs, checked |
The alternatives
Listed in no order of merit. Each fact links to the company's own page.
Best for: Teams for whom speed on large open models decides.
GPT OSS 120B at a listed ~3,000 tokens per second.
Cerebras's models docs, checkedA one-time $5 promotional credit once you add a payment method.
Cerebras's pricing page, checked
Together AI
An AI cloud for open-source models: on-demand inference, dedicated inference and GPU clusters.
together.aiBest for: Teams that want open-source models on demand and dedicated inference from the same provider.
gpt-oss-120B at $0.15 input and $0.60 output per million tokens, on demand.
Together AI's pricing page, checkedSharing your data to train other models is opt-in and off by default.
Together AI's privacy and security docs, checked
Best for: Teams that want zero data retention by default, with batch and cached-input discounts.
Zero data retention by default.
Fireworks AI's pricing page, checkedBatch at 50% off input and output, for jobs that need no immediate answer.
Fireworks AI's pricing page, checked
Best for: Teams that want one API across many models and providers.
One API for 600+ models from 80+ providers on its paid plans.
OpenRouter's pricing page, checkedA fee on each credit purchase: 5.5% on the Standard pay-as-you-go plan, 8% on Business.
OpenRouter's pricing page, checked
HIPS
Early access, by invitationHIPS is building a centrally managed AI inference marketplace on a distributed GPU network. It connects people buying inference with independently supplied GPU time.
Best for: Teams that want open-weight models at one published rate per model and pool, and can join through early access.
Open-weight models only, the ones its public catalog lists.
ModelsOne published rate per model and pool, with every price change dated.
PricingBatch costs 50% less than on-demand for the same model, with one price for every window from 24 hours to 7 days.
PricingOn Free/PAYG, request inputs and generated outputs may be used for training. On the lower paid plan and the higher paid plan, request-data training is off by default.
Security and Data
Rates for the same model
HIPS's rates are read from its public catalog; Groq's from its own page, on the date shown. Each pool states its precision.
| Offer | Precision | Input | Cached input | Output | Rate as of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIPS, Community pool | mxfp4 (fp4) | $0.0294 | Billed as input | $0.147 | Pricing, Oct 29, 2026 |
| Groq | Not stated on its page | $0.15 | Not stated on its page | $0.60 | Groq's models page, checked |
The Certified pool is not shown: HIPS's catalog does not yet state the precision it serves this model at.
| Offer | Precision | Input | Cached input | Output | Rate as of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIPS, Community pool | mxfp4 (fp4) | $0.01764 | Billed as input | $0.0882 | Pricing, Oct 29, 2026 |
| Groq | Not stated on its page | $0.075 | Not stated on its page | $0.30 | Groq's models page, checked |
The Certified pool is not shown: HIPS's catalog does not yet state the precision it serves this model at.
Where Groq fits better
- Speed decides. Groq lists a speed for each model; HIPS publishes no speed figure.
- You want request data not kept by default. On HIPS's Free/PAYG, request inputs and outputs may be used for training.
- You want to sign up and send a request today. HIPS is in early access, by invitation.
Moving to HIPS
Keep the client patterns you know. For supported OpenAI-style integrations, the intended starting point is three settings: your HIPS API key, base URL, and model.
Our migration guide will help you choose a model, check the features your application uses, and compare results before moving traffic.
A shared client format does not mean every provider feature or model behavior is identical.
Questions about Groq alternatives
Does HIPS publish speed figures?
No. HIPS has published no measured speed, so this page compares rates, pools and data terms. If speed decides your choice, Groq and Cerebras list a speed for each model.
What hardware serves requests on HIPS?
Independently supplied GPUs. The GPU supply is distributed. HIPS centrally manages how work is assigned and how the service is operated.
Can I use HIPS today?
We are inviting early-access interest while we develop the platform. Joining the list does not create an operating inference account or guarantee an invitation date.
Help shape what comes next
Tell us you’re interested in HIPS. We’ll send updates about early-access availability and the capabilities we’re preparing.