Last updated 2026-05-13. Pricing, model names, and provider policies change frequently.
Quick answer
Indie hackers usually need low setup friction, predictable free or low-cost testing, simple docs, and enough quality to ship a useful first version. Start with one reliable official API or a developer-friendly OpenAI-compatible provider, then add cheaper routes once usage patterns are real. DeepSeek-V4 is one of the most interesting newer options because it can keep official-provider clarity while still competing on cost.
Optimize for shipping speed first
For a new product, the highest cost is often delayed learning. Pick an endpoint with strong docs, SDK examples, and a model that can handle your first use case without heavy prompt gymnastics.
Keep the bill bounded
Use monthly spend alerts, short prompts, output limits, and a basic usage log from day one. Even a small successful launch can create unexpected token volume.
Avoid overbuilding provider abstraction
A tiny adapter around your model calls is enough early on. You do not need a full gateway unless you have meaningful traffic, multiple providers, or reliability requirements.
Provider examples to compare
| Provider | Category | Supported models | OpenAI-compatible | Starting price | Context | Tool calling | Vision | Streaming | Status | Trust | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | Official APIs | GPT, reasoning models, embeddings, image | Yes | Budget to premium GPT tiers | Short to very long, model based | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available | 12/15 | |
| Anthropic | Official APIs | Claude, Claude Haiku, Claude Sonnet, Claude Opus | No | Mid to premium Claude tiers | Long context options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available | 10/15 | |
| DeepSeek | Official APIs | DeepSeek-V4-Flash, DeepSeek-V4-Pro | Yes | Low-cost flash to discounted pro tiers | 1M context, up to 384K output | Yes | No | Yes | Available | 11/15 | |
| Google Gemini | Official APIs | Gemini, embedding models, multimodal models | Yes | Low-cost flash to premium tiers | Short to million-token-class options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available | 11/15 | |
| Groq | Inference Providers | Llama, Mixtral, Gemma, Whisper-like speech models | Yes | Speed-oriented model tiers | Selected fast-serving model range, model specific | Yes | No | Yes | Available | 11/15 | |
| OpenRouter | LLM API Aggregators | GPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek-V4 | Yes | Varies by model route | Model dependent across upstream routes | No | Yes | Yes | Available | 11/15 |
Checklist
- Choose one primary provider and one fallback candidate.
- Set max output tokens and rate limits in your own app.
- Log request counts, token estimates, latency, and errors.
- Review whether user data is sensitive before using lesser-known endpoints.
Recommended next step
Start with the indie hacker shortlist, then estimate your first 1,000 daily requests.
FAQ
Should indie hackers use the newest model?
Only if it materially improves the product. A cheaper or faster model may be enough for many early-stage workflows.
Should I use free models in production?
Free routes are good for testing but may have changing limits, lower reliability, or unclear support expectations.
When should I add a gateway?
Add one when you need fallback, observability, caching, routing, or team-level governance.