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How much does Google AI Studio cost?
Short answer
Google AI Studio is free. Google says AI Studio usage stays free unless you link a paid API key, and the free tier needs no billing account. You pay only when you upgrade a project to the paid Gemini API, which for new accounts usually means prepaying at least $5 of credits. Charges are per token.
Free versus paid
| Free tier | Paid tier | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £0 | Pay per input and output token |
| Billing account | Not needed | Needed, usually with prepaid credits (minimum $5) |
| Rate limits | Lower | Higher, rising with spend and account age |
| Models | Certain models | Advanced models too |
| Data use | Google may use prompts to improve its products | Google says paid prompts aren't used to improve its products |
Source: Google's Gemini API billing page, last updated 28 September 2026.
Things to know before paying
- Prepaid credits expire after 12 months and aren't refundable, except when switching to a postpay account.
- Google Cloud's $300 welcome credit can't be used for the Gemini API or AI Studio on accounts opened after 2 March 2026.
- New paid accounts start on Tier 1, with a $250 monthly spend cap. You can set lower project caps in AI Studio.
Is AI Studio the same as Gemini?
No. AI Studio is a developer workspace for testing prompts and building apps on the Gemini API. The Gemini app is the consumer chatbot, with plans such as Google AI Pro. See does Gemini Pro have a limit?
Privacy
Don't put customer data into the free tier, because Google may use free-tier prompts to improve its products. See does Gemini use my data for training?
Related questions
Can I use the Gemini API free in the UK?
Yes. Google says the free and paid tiers are available in the UK.
Do I get charged for failed requests?
Google says requests that fail with a 400 or 500 error aren't charged, though they count against your quota.
Sources
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
More on ai costs and free plans
- Are AI tools free?
- Can ChatGPT Plus make videos?
- Can I claim ChatGPT as a business expense in the UK?
- Can more than one person use ChatGPT Plus?
- Do AI subscriptions like Claude, Canva and Grammarly charge UK VAT?
- Does ChatGPT Plus have usage limits?
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