Claude 3.5 Sonnet remains one of the most useful Anthropic models for coding, analysis, tool use, and careful writing. It is older than the latest Sonnet line, but still a practical free API target when you want Claude-style output without paying upfront.
Why choose it?
- Coding strength: strong at refactors, explanations, and agentic development loops.
- Long context: useful for reading larger files and documentation.
- Low-friction free access: Vercel AI Gateway monthly credits let you test it without bringing an Anthropic key.
Free access option
- Vercel AI Gateway: call
anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnetthrough an OpenAI-compatible endpoint with monthly credits and no credit card required to start.
Choose Claude 3.5 Sonnet for coding-heavy prototypes, then compare the newer Claude Sonnet and Opus alternatives if you need higher capability.