Avian

Summary

Avian is a pay-per-token AI inference API platform offering DeepSeek V3.2, Kimi K2.5, GLM-5, and MiniMax M2.5. Powered by NVIDIA B200 GPUs with speculative decoding, it delivers 489 tokens/sec—4x faster than OpenAI GPT-4o at ~90% lower cost.

What is Avian?

Avian is a developer-focused AI inference service providing an OpenAI-compatible API for multiple frontier language models. No subscription required; pay only for tokens used. Runs on SOC/2-approved Microsoft Azure infrastructure with enterprise-grade security, zero data retention, and GDPR/CCPA compliance. Integrates with 20+ coding tools including Cursor, Claude Code, and Cline, optimized for production workloads requiring fast inference.

Core Capabilities

• Multi-model access: Single API key for DeepSeek V3.2, Kimi K2.5, GLM-5, MiniMax M2.5
• Ultra-fast inference: NVIDIA B200 GPUs with speculative decoding, DeepSeek V3.2 at 489 tokens/sec
• OpenAI-compatible: Drop-in replacement, change one line of code to switch from OpenAI
• Token-based pricing: No subscription, from $0.26/M tokens input, no rate limits
• Enterprise security: SOC/2 certified, GDPR/CCPA compliant, zero data retention
• Built-in tools: Vision analysis, web search, web reader, native tool calling
• Coding tool integration: Works with Cursor, Claude Code, Cline, Windsurf, Kilo Code, Aider, 20+ more

Pros

• DeepSeek V3.2 at 489 tokens/sec, 4x faster than OpenAI GPT-4o
• ~90% cheaper than GPT-4o: $0.30/M input, $0.40/M output tokens
• First to deploy DeepSeek R1 at scale, R1 inference at 351 tokens/sec
• Zero cold start, always-warm inference
• No rate limits, production-ready for high-load scenarios

Cons

• Limited to specific models (DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM, MiniMax), no OpenAI or Anthropic native models
• Newer provider with lower market recognition than OpenAI or Anthropic
• Token-based pricing requires cost estimation for high-volume use cases
• Documentation and community resources may be less extensive than mainstream platforms

Decision Guidance

Use Avian when: You need fast inference for development teams, especially with coding tools like Cursor or Claude Code; you want to reduce AI API costs while maintaining high performance; you require enterprise security and compliance for production environments.

Consider alternatives when: You need OpenAI GPT-4o or Anthropic Claude native models; you prefer mature ecosystems with extensive documentation; budget is not a constraint and inference speed is less critical.