Conclusion
- Qwen, GLM, and DeepSeek all deserve testing, but they solve different setup and production needs.
- Most setup failures come from wrong base_url, stale model names, missing model permission, or keys in the wrong project.
- For coding agents, compare tool behavior, JSON reliability, long-context cost, latency, and fallback rate.
- A gateway helps teams avoid distributing three provider keys across every app and agent.
What to do next
- Choose one primary workload: coding agent, chatbot, RAG, batch copy, or workflow automation.
- Create official provider keys and copy current compatible endpoint/model settings from provider docs.
- Run the same smoke test against Qwen, GLM, and DeepSeek with explicit baseURL, key, model, timeout, and max tokens.
- Score accepted output rate, latency, cost, streaming, JSON/tool behavior, and error shape.
- Use OpenLLMAPI when you need one endpoint, provider logs, budget caps, and fallback across all three.
Recommended paths
| Provider | Free / credits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Qwen DashScope | Signup credits vary | Primary China-friendly coding, Chinese, and long-context route |
| Zhipu GLM | Signup tokens vary | Domestic GLM backup and Chinese business workflows |
| DeepSeek | Verify current pricing | Low-cost reasoning/coding benchmark and fallback |
| SiliconFlow | Free/open routes vary | Multi-model experiments and additional China-accessible coverage |
| OpenLLMAPI | Trial varies | One OpenAI-compatible endpoint with logs and fallback |
Global developer checklist
- Confirm whether signup, billing, and API keys work from your country before writing production code.
- Prefer OpenAI-compatible endpoints when you may need to switch models, regions, or providers later.
- Test free credits with a real smoke prompt and record latency, error shape, streaming behavior, and quota burn.
- Keep at least one fallback route for provider outages, model deprecations, and regional access changes.
Production handoff
Test Qwen, GLM, and DeepSeek behind one route
Keep setup clean with one compatible endpoint, provider-level logs, fallback rules, and spend caps for apps and coding agents.
FAQ
Which one should I set up first?
If you are in China or need Alibaba ecosystem compatibility, start with Qwen; add GLM for domestic fallback; benchmark DeepSeek for low-cost reasoning.
Can all three use OpenAI-compatible clients?
Many workflows can, but endpoint paths, model names, auth headers, streaming, and tool support must be tested provider by provider.
Why do I get unauthorized errors?
Check account/project ownership, model permission, current base_url, model name, authorization format, and whether your tool is still pointing at OpenAI.
When should I use a gateway?
Use direct keys for first smoke tests. Use a gateway when production apps need shared keys, route logs, fallback, and budget limits.