Inference.net lists 2 models and Poolside 4. Inference.net is cheaper on a typical model ($0.08 per 1M tokens median). Below: line-up, price tiers, the cheapest model for each capability, and what each costs for five real workloads.
For each workload: the cheapest model from each provider that can actually do it (fits the context window; tool calling required for the agent), and its monthly cost at list price.
How does Inference.net cost compare with Poolside cost?
Inference.net is cheaper on a typical model: a median of $0.08 per 1M tokens (3:1 input/output) against $0.09 for Poolside. The cheapest paid models are Inference.net: Schematron V2 Turbo at $0.06 and Poolside: Laguna XS 2.1 at $0.07.
Is Inference.net better than Poolside?
It depends on the job: Poolside offers the broader line-up (2 models vs 4), Inference.net the lower typical price, Poolside the longest context (1.0M tokens). The workload table above shows which wins for chat, RAG, agents, batch jobs and long documents.
Which has more models, Inference.net or Poolside?
Poolside: Inference.net lists 2 models and Poolside lists 4.
Which provider has the longest context window?
Poolside: Inference.net's longest is Inference.net: Schematron V2 Small at 128K tokens; Poolside's is Poolside: Laguna S 2.1 at 1.0M.