What is Modal?
Modal lets developers run inference, fine-tuning and batch jobs on serverless GPUs by writing plain Python, with fast cold starts and per-second billing.
Best for: ML engineers, AI startups.
Key features
- Serverless GPUs
- Python-native SDK
- Per-second billing
- Sandboxes
- Batch jobs
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent developer experience
- Monthly free credits
Cons
- Python-focused
- Requires engineering skills
Modal pricing
| Pricing model | Free plan |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | API |
| Launched | 2021 |
Prices change often. Check the Modal website for current plans.
Our verdict
Modal scores 8.3/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: excellent developer experience. The main drawback: python-focused. If it isn't the right fit, OpenAI API is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Modal?
Modal lets developers run inference, fine-tuning and batch jobs on serverless GPUs by writing plain Python, with fast cold starts and per-second billing.
Is Modal free?
Modal has a free plan with limits.
What are the best Modal alternatives?
Popular alternatives include OpenAI API, Anthropic API, Google Gemini API, Hugging Face.
Who is Modal best for?
Modal is best for ml engineers, ai startups.