GuideFree AI models
Free AI models for coding, and how to use them.
You can do real work with AI without paying for a plan. OpenCode and Kilo give free models with no key at all, OpenRouter, Google, Groq, Mistral and NVIDIA give free models with a free key and no card, and local models cost nothing. Lunchbox lists them on its Free models page and adds most in one click, next to any paid agents you have.
ANo key, no account
OpenCode
About a dozen free models with no key, as a full coding agent. Some of them use prompts to improve the model, so keep private code to the ones that do not.
Kilo
A free gateway that picks a free model for each message, with no key, up to 200 messages an hour. It runs on trial endpoints, so prompts may be logged.
Local models
Ollama, LM Studio and llama.cpp run models on your own computer. Free, private and without limits. Lunchbox can start Ollama and pull a model that fits.
BFree with a key, no card
OpenRouter
A free key opens a rotating set of free models from many labs, about 50 messages a day. You can exclude providers that train on prompts in its privacy settings.
Google AI Studio
A free key gives Gemini Flash with a daily allowance. Google may use free-tier prompts to improve its products.
Groq
A free key gives GPT-OSS 120B at very high speed, around 1,000 messages a day.
Mistral
The free Experiment plan gives Mistral Small and Codestral. Turn off training on your prompts under Privacy.
NVIDIA
A free key gives open models hosted by NVIDIA under trial terms for personal use.
CNo longer free
GitHub Models
Retired by GitHub in July 2026.
Cerebras, Together, SambaNova
Each now asks for a card or a payment first.
DWhat free models are good for
Small and frequent work
Explaining code, renames, commit messages, tests for a small function and first drafts.
A second opinion
Ask a free model next to a paid one and compare the answers side by side.
Keeping going
When your paid plans hit their limits, free models keep a room moving.
EQuestions
Are there free AI models for coding?
Yes. OpenCode and Kilo give free models with no key; OpenRouter, Google AI Studio, Groq, Mistral and NVIDIA give free models with a free key and no card; and local models through Ollama cost nothing.
Can I use free models without an API key?
Yes. OpenCode and Kilo need no key or account, and local models run on your own computer. In Lunchbox each is one click on the Free models page.
Is Lunchbox free?
Yes. Lunchbox is free, and with free or local models you can use it without paying for any AI plan.