OpenAI API vs vLLM:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, OpenAI API had more branded searches than vLLM among LLM inference platforms worldwide. OpenAI API had about 246,000 branded searches, while vLLM had 135,000. OpenAI API made up 24.8% of all LLM inference platform searches we track, and vLLM accounted for 13.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about LLM inference platforms, vLLM appeared in four of the five answers and OpenAI API in two. vLLM was mentioned before OpenAI API in four out of five answers.
Who do people search for more?
OpenAI API, about 82% more searches than vLLM
Who does AI mention more?
vLLM, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, OpenAI API in 2
Who does AI recommend more?
vLLM, named ahead of OpenAI API in 4 of 5 answers
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Top LLM inference platforms in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, vLLM was mentioned in four out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in both Google AI Overviews. OpenAI API was mentioned in two out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. vLLM was listed before OpenAI API in four out of five answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Together AI1st
Groq2nd- OpenAI API3rd
Baseten4th- vLLM5th
Replicate6th
Anyscale–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Together AI5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Groq4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- vLLM4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Baseten3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- OpenAI API2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Replicate1 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Anyscale0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about LLM inference platforms
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which LLM inference platform should I use?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best LLM inference platforms?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best LLM inference platform for a development team?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“ai inference platform”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“llm inference platforms”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.
Is OpenAI API or vLLM more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for OpenAI API and vLLM by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all eight LLM inference platforms we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for OpenAI API, vLLM. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Groq | OpenAI API | Replicate | vLLM | Together AI | Baseten | Anyscale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 24.8% | 30.3% | 20.3% | 16.6% | 4.4% | 2.2% | 1.2% |
| Nov 2025 | 24.8% | 30.4% | 20.4% | 16.7% | 4.4% | 2.2% | 1% |
| Dec 2025 | 50.9% | 18.6% | 15.3% | 10.2% | 3.3% | 1.1% | 0.61% |
| Jan 2026 | 31.3% | 25.6% | 20.9% | 14% | 4.5% | 2.8% | 0.84% |
| Feb 2026 | 31% | 31% | 17% | 13.9% | 4.5% | 1.9% | 0.83% |
| Mar 2026 | 31.7% | 31.7% | 14.2% | 14.2% | 5.5% | 1.9% | 0.7% |
| Apr 2026 | 32.6% | 26.7% | 14.6% | 17.8% | 5.7% | 2% | 0.59% |
| May 2026 | 34.9% | 28.5% | 12.8% | 15.6% | 5% | 2.6% | 0.63% |
| Jun 2026 | 35.9% | 24% | 13.2% | 16.1% | 6.2% | 3.9% | 0.79% |
| Jul 2026 | 47.6% | 21.3% | 9.5% | 11.7% | 5.5% | 3.5% | 0.86% |
| Aug 2026 | 41.6% | 22.8% | 12.5% | 12.5% | 5.9% | 3.7% | 0.92% |
| Sep 2026 | 37.1% | 24.8% | 13.6% | 13.6% | 5.3% | 5% | 0.66% |
How has the OpenAI API and vLLM comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- OpenAI API was ahead of vLLM in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, OpenAI API’s share of searches among LLM inference platforms worldwide moved from 30.3% to 24.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 246K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, vLLM’s share of searches among LLM inference platforms worldwide moved from 16.6% to 13.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 135K.
How did search popularity change for LLM inference platforms worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, OpenAI API gained share of searches among LLM inference platforms worldwide, from 22.8% to 24.8%.
In September 2026, vLLM gained share of searches among LLM inference platforms worldwide, from 12.5% to 13.6%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using OpenAI API’s and vLLM’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
OpenAI API
1 branded search term
- openai api
vLLM
1 branded search term
- vllm
Other head-to-heads among LLM inference platforms
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