Connect a language model (LLM) via an API
Use an AI model in your own app or workflow: pick a provider, connect it and keep costs under control.
What is it?
Use a language model (LLM) in your own app or workflow via an API: you send text to the model and get an answer back, paid per use.
How to start
- Pick a provider, create an API key and set a spending limit.
- Test your prompt in the provider’s playground first.
- Connect through the official SDK or an automation tool, and log costs and errors.
Watch out
- Never put your API key in the browser or in public code.
- Check whether your data is used for training and where it is processed (GDPR).
Tip: Start with a small, cheap model and only move up when the quality falls short.
How to approach it
1 · needed
Pick a model and provider
Compare API access, usage pricing, data storage and whether your data is used for training.
General AI assistant
2 · optional
Run open models yourself
Run AI locally
3 · optional
Connect without code
Workflow automation
Recommended stack
A general recommendation without your requirements. Make it personal for your budget, level and preferences.
Stack receipt
no. CONN · 30 Sept 2026
Connect a language model (LLM) via an API
- 1Pick a model and providerClaudeProUS$20/moSupp.Freshly checkedfree plan
- 2Run open models yourself(optional)LM StudioDesktop appFreeSupp.Freshly checked
- 3Connect without code(optional)MakeCoreUS$16/moSupp.Freshly checkedfree plan
- Core (required steps)
- US$20/mo
- Including optional steps
- US$36/mo
- Starting costs
- Free
Data confidence: 60/100 on average
Why
- ✓ Core capability: General AI assistant
- ✓ Free plan available
- ✓ Price from several sources
Mind
- ! Usage limits per time window, also on paid plans
Alternatives
- Gemini · US$4.99/mo · Cheaper
- ChatGPT · US$8/mo · Cheaper
- Microsoft Copilot · US$19.99/mo · Cheaper
Tools per step
Pick a model and provider
- ClaudeAnthropic's AI assistant, strong at writing, analysis and codeUS$20/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
- Microsoft CopilotAI assistant in Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and TeamsUS$19.99/moFree plan availableUnver.Freshly checked
- GeminiGoogle's AI assistant, integrated with Gmail, Docs and searchUS$4.99/moFree plan availableUnver.Freshly checked
- ChatGPTThe best-known AI assistant: write, analyse, research and create imagesUS$8/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
Run open models yourself
- OllamaRun open language models locally with one commandUS$20/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
- LM StudioUser-friendly desktop app for running AI models locallyFreeSupp.Freshly checked
Connect without code
- MakeVisual automation from Czech company Make, cost-effective at volumeUS$16/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
- n8nWorkflow automation and AI agents you can self-host (Germany)€24/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
- ZapierConnect apps and automate work, with thousands of integrationsUS$29.99/moFree plan availableSupp.Freshly checked
- RowsSpreadsheet with built-in AI and live data connectionsUS$8/moFree plan availableVerif.Freshly checked