COMPARE / LIGHTNING AI VS MODAL
Lightning AI vs Modal
Like-for-like on-demand GPU pricing from each provider's own published rates, refreshed hourly. No reserved or committed-use pricing on either side.
HEAD TO HEAD
4 - 4
chips where Lightning AI is cheaper - chips where Modal is cheaper, of 8 shared
| GPU model | Lightning AI from | Modal from | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| T4 | $0.550/hr | $0.590/hr | Lightning AI (7% less) |
| L4 | $0.790/hr | $0.799/hr | Lightning AI (1% less) |
| L40S | $2.140/hr | $1.951/hr | Modal (9% less) |
| A100 40GB | $2.190/hr | $2.099/hr | Modal (4% less) |
| A100 80GB | $2.710/hr | $2.498/hr | Modal (8% less) |
| RTX PRO 6000 | $2.890/hr | $3.031/hr | Lightning AI (5% less) |
| H100 SXM | $4.500/hr | $3.949/hr | Modal (12% less) |
| H200 SXM | $4.500/hr | $4.540/hr | Lightning AI (1% less) |
LIGHTNING AI VS MODAL - FAQ
Is Lightning AI or Modal cheaper?
Across the 8 GPU models both providers publish, Lightning AI has the lower rate on 4 and Modal on 4. It varies chip by chip - the table above compares like-for-like per-GPU hourly rates from each provider's own published prices, refreshed hourly.
What can I rent at both Lightning AI and Modal?
Both publish rates for: T4, L4, L40S, A100 40GB, A100 80GB, RTX PRO 6000 and 2 more shared models. Lightning AI lists 8 models total; Modal lists 11.
Does Compute Cafe earn from Lightning AI or Modal links?
Lightning AI: no affiliate arrangement. Modal: no affiliate arrangement. Referral status never changes the numbers or the order on this page.