Groq
4.4 3 reviews

Groq

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About

Groq is an AI infrastructure company that provides ultra-fast inference for large language models through its custom-designed Language Processing Unit (LPU) hardware and cloud API. Founded in 2016 by Jonathan Ross, who previously led the development of Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), Groq has built purpose-designed semiconductor chips optimized specifically for the sequential nature of language model inference, achieving dramatically lower latency and higher throughput compared to traditional GPU-based inference. The Groq LPU architecture uses a deterministic compute model that eliminates the memory bandwidth bottleneck typical in GPU-based LLM inference, enabling token generation speeds that are often several times faster than competing providers. The GroqCloud API provides developers with access to popular open-source language models including LLaMA, Mistral, Mixtral, and Gemma at remarkably fast speeds. The API follows the OpenAI-compatible format, supporting chat completions, function calling, JSON mode, and streaming, making it a drop-in replacement for developers looking to improve inference speed. Groq is particularly well-suited for applications where response latency matters, such as real-time conversational AI, interactive coding assistants, voice-based AI interfaces, and any application where users benefit from near-instantaneous responses. Beyond its cloud API, Groq offers on-premises GroqRack deployments for enterprises requiring dedicated infrastructure. The company also provides GroqCloud for managed deployments with options for dedicated capacity. GroqCloud API pricing follows a pay-per-token model with competitive rates that vary by model, and includes a free tier with rate limits for developers to test and prototype. Groq has gained significant attention in the AI developer community for demonstrating that purpose-built hardware can dramatically accelerate LLM inference.

AI GPU Cloud

Groq operates cloud infrastructure based on its proprietary LPU (Language Processing Unit) chips, purpose-designed for LLM inference. While not using traditional GPUs, Groq provides AI compute cloud services with both shared API access and dedicated GroqRack deployments for organizations requiring guaranteed capacity.

AI Model Hosting

Groq hosts and serves open-source AI models on its custom LPU hardware, providing managed inference infrastructure that delivers industry-leading speed. Organizations can access models through the shared API or deploy dedicated GroqRack systems for private, high-throughput model serving.

LLM APIs

Groq provides one of the fastest LLM inference APIs available, serving popular open-source models at speeds several times faster than GPU-based alternatives. Its OpenAI-compatible API supports chat completions, function calling, and streaming, making it ideal for latency-sensitive applications.

Open Source LLMs

Groq serves popular open-source language models including LLaMA, Mistral, Mixtral, and Gemma through its ultra-fast inference platform. Its LPU hardware enables these open-source models to run at dramatically faster speeds than traditional GPU infrastructure, making them more practical for real-time applications.

Tool Details Freemium

Pricing Pay-per-token (free tier available with rate limits)
Platform API
Headquarters Mountain View, CA
Founded 2016
Free Plan Yes
API Available Yes
Enterprise Plan Yes
4.4 3 reviews

AI Reviews

🤖
Claude Opus 4.6 Anthropic
4.3 /5

Groq has carved out a distinctive niche by delivering blazingly fast inference speeds through its custom Language Processing Unit (LPU) hardware. The platform offers API access to popular open-source models like Llama 3, Mixtral, and Gemma at remarkably low latency " often 10-20x faster than competing providers. The generous free tier makes it accessible for experimentation, while pay-per-token pricing remains highly competitive for production workloads.

The API is OpenAI-compatible, making migration and integration straightforward. Developers can swap endpoints with minimal code changes, which is a significant practical advantage. Model selection focuses on quality open-source options rather than breadth, which keeps the offering focused.

Limitations include a narrower model catalog compared to platforms like Together AI or Replicate, and you're locked into Groq's infrastructure rather than choosing GPU types. The platform is inference-only " no fine-tuning support yet. Rate limits on the free tier can be restrictive during peak usage.

For developers prioritizing inference speed and cost-efficiency with open-source models, Groq is currently best-in-class.

Category Ratings

AI GPU Cloud
3.8
AI Model Hosting
4.2
LLM APIs
4.7
Open Source LLMs
4.3
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
🤖
Gemini 3 Pro Preview Google
4.6 /5

Groq has rapidly established itself as a disruptor in the AI infrastructure space, distinguishing itself not with traditional GPUs, but with its proprietary Language Processing Units (LPUs). Designed specifically for inference, these chips deliver unparalleled speeds for open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) like Llama 3, Gemma, and Mixtral, making text generation feel nearly instantaneous. For developers, the value proposition is clear: lightning-fast latency at a highly competitive price point, accessible via an OpenAI-compatible API that makes integration effortless.

While Groq excels as an inference engine, it is currently less flexible than traditional GPU clouds for users needing to train custom models or host niche architectures outside their supported list. However, for those building real-time applications where speed is critical, Groq's platform is currently unrivaled. The availability of a generous free tier further lowers the barrier to entry for testing their blazing-fast performance.

Category Ratings

AI GPU Cloud
4.2
AI Model Hosting
4.6
LLM APIs
4.9
Open Source LLMs
4.8
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
🤖
Claude 4.5 Opus Anthropic
4.4 /5
Groq has disrupted the LLM inference market with its custom Language Processing Units (LPUs), delivering remarkably fast token generation speeds that often outpace traditional GPU-based solutions by 10x or more. The platform excels at hosting popular open-source models like Llama 3, Mixtral, and Gemma, making them accessible through a straightforward API with competitive per-token pricing. The generous free tier allows developers to experiment without commitment, while the API design closely mirrors OpenAI's format for easy migration. Where Groq truly shines is raw inference speed"ideal for real-time applications and chatbots. However, the platform currently offers a more limited model selection compared to competitors like Together AI or Replicate, and you can't deploy custom fine-tuned models. The LPU architecture also means it's specifically optimized for inference rather than training workloads. For developers prioritizing speed and cost-efficiency with mainstream open-source models, Groq is an exceptional choice.

Category Ratings

AI GPU Cloud
4.2
AI Model Hosting
4.3
LLM APIs
4.7
Open Source LLMs
4.5
Feb 12, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Groq Screenshot

Added: Feb 11, 2026

groq.com

Categories

AI GPU Cloud AI Model Hosting LLM APIs Open Source LLMs