llama-3.1-8b-instant — Free AI Model & API

groq/llama-3-1-8b-instant
chat
Get API key →
Context Window 131K
Max Output 131K
Rate Limit 30 RPM, 14,400 RPD
Cost $0.00 FREE
Free Period Since May 10, 2026
Credit Card Not required
Status Online

Overview

Llama 3.1 8B Instant on Groq is optimized for the lowest possible latency — if you need sub-100ms first-token response times for a chat assistant, real-time agent, or interactive UI, this is one of the fastest free endpoints available. With 131K context, OpenAI SDK compatibility, and a generous 14,400 requests per day at 30 RPM, it can handle high-throughput, low-complexity tasks at a scale most free tiers can't match. The 8B parameter size means it is best suited for straightforward Q&A, classification, and simple generation, not complex reasoning or nuanced analysis. Registration required, no credit card.

Model ID
llama-3-1-8b-instant
Base URL
https://api.groq.com/openai/v1
Specifications
Context: 131K · Output: 131K · Modality: text · OpenAI Compat: Yes

Quick Start

Integrate llama-3.1-8b-instant with 3 lines of code. See the config generator for Claude Code, Cursor, and more.

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
 base_url="https://api.groq.com/openai/v1",
 api_key="YOUR_API_KEY"
)

response = client.chat.completions.create(
 model="llama-3-1-8b-instant",
 messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
import OpenAI from "openai";

const openai = new OpenAI({
 baseURL: "https://api.groq.com/openai/v1",
 apiKey: "YOUR_API_KEY",
});

const completion = await openai.chat.completions.create({
 model: "llama-3-1-8b-instant",
 messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello!" }],
});

console.log(completion.choices[0].message.content);
curl https://api.groq.com/openai/v1/chat/completions \
 -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
 -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
 -d '{
 "model": "llama-3-1-8b-instant",
 "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
 }'

Other Free Models from Groq

llama-3.3-70b-versatile

131K context · No card

llama-4-scout-17b-16e-instruct

131K context · No card

llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct

131K context · No card

qwen3-32b

131K context · No card

kimi-k2-instruct

262K context · No card

Rate Limits & Constraints

Rate Limit 30 RPM, 14,400 RPD
Context Window 131K
Max Output Tokens 131K
Cost Free — since May 10, 2026
Credit Card Not required
OpenAI Compatible Yes — drop-in replacement

Groq Platform Limitations

  • Rate limits vary significantly by model — check per-model limits
  • Some models have token-per-minute caps in addition to RPM
  • LPU availability may cause queuing during peak usage

Features & Use Cases

Best For

Chat

Modality Support

text

Groq Highlights

  • Ultra-fast inference (~2,600 tok/s)
  • Free tier: 14,400 RPD for most models
  • Supports Llama 4, Qwen3, DeepSeek-R1
  • OpenAI-compatible

Playground — Test llama-3.1-8b-instant

Test llama-3.1-8b-instant directly in your browser. Your API key is sent directly to Groq — never stored.

Model: llama-3.1-8b-instant Get Key

🔒 Your key is never stored — sent directly to the model provider via our server proxy.

Ready to chat with llama-3.1-8b-instant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an API key for llama-3.1-8b-instant?

Sign up at Groq to get your API key. No credit card is required — just an email sign-up. Once you have the key, use the code snippets in the Quick Start section above.

Is llama-3.1-8b-instant really free?

Yes. llama-3.1-8b-instant is available on Groq's free tier and has been free since May 10, 2026. Rate limits apply: 30 RPM, 14,400 RPD. Always check the provider's terms for any changes to the free tier.

What are llama-3.1-8b-instant's rate limits?

30 RPM, 14,400 RPD Context window: 131K. Max output: 131K. No credit card required.

What are the best free alternatives to llama-3.1-8b-instant?

Popular free alternatives include inclusionAI: Ring-2.6-1T, Baidu Qianfan: CoBuddy (free), Owl Alpha. You can also browse all 147+ free models on our site.

More questions? See our full FAQ →

Similar Free Models

inclusionAI: Ring-2.6-1T

OpenRouter · chat

Baidu Qianfan: CoBuddy (free)

OpenRouter · chat

Owl Alpha

OpenRouter · chat