7 AI Coding Subscription Plans That Let You Build Without Worrying About API Costs
Introduction
For many developers, “vibe coding” means getting into a deep creative rhythm — experimenting freely, debugging quickly, and iterating without constantly checking token usage or API invoices. But when you rely on pay‑as‑you‑go APIs, long coding sessions can become unexpectedly expensive.
This is why fixed‑quota AI coding plans have exploded in popularity. Instead of charging per request, these plans offer predictable usage windows, rolling resets, and generous limits that support uninterrupted development.
Below is a breakdown of seven major AI coding plans available today, how they work, and which type of developer each one suits best.
1. Claude Code Subscription Plans
Claude Code was one of the first offerings to make long‑form AI coding predictable. Developers quickly discovered that using Claude through the API for iterative coding was costly — especially when debugging or refactoring large codebases.
To solve this, Anthropic introduced subscription tiers with rolling usage windows. These plans reset every few hours and, on higher tiers, include weekly ceilings. This structure allows developers to code continuously without worrying about token spikes.
Claude Code Plans
Plan | Monthly Price | Usage Window |
|---|---|---|
Claude Pro | $20 | ~10–40 prompts per 5 hours |
Claude Max (5×) | $100 | ~50–200 prompts per 5 hours |
Claude Max (20×) | $200 | ~200–800 prompts per 5 hours |
Usage resets every five hours, with additional weekly caps depending on the tier.
2. ChatGPT Codex Access Plans
OpenAI bundles Codex‑style coding capabilities into its ChatGPT subscription tiers. Instead of paying per API call, users receive structured message limits that reset on a rolling schedule.
This makes ChatGPT a practical option for developers who want predictable coding sessions without managing API billing.
ChatGPT Plans
Plan | Monthly Price | Usage Window |
|---|---|---|
ChatGPT Plus | $20 | ~30–150 messages per 5 hours |
ChatGPT Pro | $200 | ~300–1500 messages per 5 hours |
ChatGPT Business~ | $30/user | Higher per‑user caps |
ChatGPT Enterprise | Custom | Custom quotas |
Message limits vary based on model and complexity.
3. Google AI Coding Plans
Google’s Gemini Code Assist and Gemini CLI receive expanded quotas under Google AI Pro and Ultra. Unlike other providers that use short rolling windows, Google primarily enforces daily limits.
This makes the plans ideal for developers who code steadily throughout the day rather than in short bursts.
Google AI Plans
Plan Monthly | Price | Daily Usage |
|---|---|---|
Google AI Pro | ~$20 | ~500–1,500 coding requests/day |
Google AI Ultra | ~$250 | ~3,000–10,000 requests/day |
Daily limits vary by tool, model, and request complexity.
4. GLM Coding Plans
GLM offers some of the most affordable AI coding subscriptions available. These plans bundle prompt quotas into rolling five‑hour windows, making them ideal for developers who want maximum value at minimal cost.
Plan | Monthly Price | Usage Window |
|---|---|---|
GLM Lite | ~$3 | ~120 prompts per 5 hours |
GLM Pro | ~$15 | ~600 prompts per 5 hours |
GLM Max | ~$30 | ~2,400 prompts per 5 hours |
Perfect for budget‑friendly, high‑frequency coding.
5. MiniMax Coding Plans
MiniMax provides one of the clearest quota systems in the AI coding space. Each plan offers a fixed number of prompts per five‑hour window, powered by the efficient MiniMax M2.1 model.
MiniMax Plans
Plan | Monthly Price | Usage Window |
|---|---|---|
MiniMax Starter | $10 | 100 prompts per 5 hours |
MiniMax Plus | $20 | 300 prompts per 5 hours |
MiniMax Max | $50 | 100 prompts per 5 hours |
Great for developers who prefer structured, sprint‑based coding.
6. Kimi Weekly Coding Plans
Kimi takes a different approach by offering weekly quotas instead of hourly or daily resets. This is ideal for developers who code consistently throughout the week.
Kimi Plans
Plan | Monthly Price | Weekly Usage |
|---|---|---|
Kimi Starter | ~$9–10 | ~2,000 – 3,500 requests/week |
Kimi Pro/Ultra | ~$49 | ~8,000 – 15,000 requests/week |
Quotas refresh every seven days from activation.
7. Cerebras High‑Throughput Coding Plans
Cerebras focuses on raw speed and massive token allowances. Instead of limiting prompts, they cap daily token usage — making them ideal for heavy agent workflows and continuous coding.
Cerebras Plans
Plan | Monthly Price | Daily Tokens |
|---|---|---|
Cerebras Code Pro | $50 | 24M tokens/day |
Cerebras Code Max | $200 | 120M tokens/day |
Model Speeds
Model | Approx. Speed |
|---|---|
ZAI GLM 4.7 | ~1,000 tokens/sec |
GPT‑OSS 120B | ~3,000 tokens/sec |
These plans support some of the fastest coding throughput available.
Quick Comparison Table
Provider | Price | Minimum Usage | Reset Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Claude Code | $20–$20 | ~10 prompts/5h | 5‑hour rolling | Long iterative sessions |
Codex | $20–$200 | +~30 messages/5h | 5‑hour rolling | Generalcoding/debugging |
Google AI | ~$20–$250 | ~500/day | Daily | Steady daily coding |
GLM | ~$3–$30 | ~120/5h | 5‑hour rolling | Best value for budget coding |
MiniMax | $10–$50 | 100/5h | 5‑hour rolling | Sprint‑based workflows |
Kimi | ~$10–$49 | ~2,000/week | Weekly | Consistent weekly coding |
Cerebras | $50–$200 | 24M tokens/day | Daily | High‑speed continuous coding |
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