Introduction
GLM 5 is a next-generation, frontier large language model with state-of-the-art capabilities in reasoning, coding, and agentic AI.
What is GLM 5?
GLM 5 is a fifth-generation large language model designed as a powerful alternative to leading proprietary AI systems. It solves the need for a high-performance, open-source model capable of handling complex tasks like advanced reasoning, professional-grade code generation, and multi-step agent workflows. Featuring a massive 745 billion parameters in a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture, it delivers top-tier performance while efficiently activating only about 44 billion parameters per query. This model is particularly suitable for developers, researchers, data scientists, and businesses looking for a cost-effective, highly capable AI with a 128K context window for processing long documents and maintaining coherent, long conversations. Its state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance in benchmarks makes it a significant tool for anyone needing reliable and advanced AI assistance.
Key Features of GLM 5
Advanced Reasoning and Coding
GLM 5 achieves state-of-the-art scores on reasoning and coding benchmarks, enabling it to solve complex mathematical problems, debug code, and generate production-ready scripts across 50+ programming languages.
Agentic AI Workflows
The model excels at powering autonomous agents capable of tool use, function calling, and multi-turn planning, making it ideal for automating complex real-world tasks and business pipelines.
128K Context Window
With a 128K token context, GLM 5 can process entire codebases, lengthy research papers, or detailed legal documents in a single prompt, enabling true long-document understanding and analysis.
Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) Architecture
The innovative MoE structure with 745 billion total parameters allows GLM 5 to offer frontier-level performance with high efficiency, activating only a fraction of its parameters for faster, more cost-effective inference.
Multi-Language and Creative Support
GLM 5 provides leading multilingual performance for English, Chinese, and 15+ other languages, and is adept at creative writing, technical documentation, and generating marketing copy with nuanced style control.
Integrated Image Generation
As part of the GLM 5 ecosystem, users have access to the Seedream 5.0 model for generating high-quality, photorealistic images and artwork directly from text descriptions.
Use Cases for GLM 5
Software Development and Code Review
Developers can use GLM 5 to generate, refactor, and audit code, significantly speeding up development cycles and identifying vulnerabilities across entire repositories.
Automated Business Process Automation
Teams can deploy GLM 5 agents to automate CI/CD pipeline debugging, analyze user interview transcripts for insights, or generate technical documentation from codebases.
Content Creation and Marketing
Marketing professionals and writers can leverage the model for creating long-form blog content, ad copy, email campaigns, and even creative fiction or game dialogue.
Research and Data Analysis
Researchers and analysts can utilize the 128K context window to synthesize information from long reports or academic papers and perform complex data analysis with natural language queries.
How to Use GLM 5
- Access via Web Chat: New users can try GLM 5 for free by visiting the official chat interface at chat.z.ai. This provides instant access for chatting, coding, or testing image generation.
- Integrate via API: For production use, developers can integrate GLM 5 using its API, which is compatible with the OpenAI SDK format for easy migration. It is also available on platforms like OpenRouter.
- Build Autonomous Agents: Utilize the GLM 5 API to build and deploy sophisticated AI agents capable of handling multi-step tasks, from data analysis to full workflow automation.
Target Audience for GLM 5
- Software Developers and Engineers
- AI Researchers and Data Scientists
- Tech Startups and Enterprise Teams
- Content Creators and Marketing Professionals
- Students and Educators in Computer Science
Is GLM 5 Free?
GLM 5 offers a free trial with credits for new users to test its capabilities. For ongoing use, it operates on a flexible credit-based subscription model. The official website lists several plans, including a popular "Plus" plan.
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $9.9/month (with discount) | 14,400 credits/year, access to AI Chat, Image & Video models, commercial license. |
| Plus (Most Popular) | $14.9/month (with discount) | 24,000 credits/year, lower cost per credit, all core GLM 5 features for professionals. |
For the most current and detailed pricing, including pay-as-you-go options, users should visit the official GLM 5 pricing page.
GLM 5's Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Delivers state-of-the-art (SOTA) reasoning and coding rivaling top proprietary models. | As a frontier model, it may require substantial computational resources for local deployment. |
| Cost Efficiency | Offers high performance at a potentially lower cost than some leading proprietary APIs. | Pricing is based on credits, which requires budgeting for high-volume usage. |
| Capabilities | Features a massive 128K context window and strong multilingual support. | The broad range of advanced features might have a learning curve for complete beginners. |
| Openness | Positioned as a leading open-source SOTA model, promoting transparency and customization. | Full open-source access details (weights, specific license) should be verified from the official source. |
Frequently Asked Questions about GLM 5
What makes GLM 5 different from other AI models?
GLM 5 stands out due to its combination of a massive 745B parameter MoE architecture, a 128K context window, and state-of-the-art performance in reasoning and coding, all while being positioned as a top-tier open-source model.
Can I use GLM 5 for commercial projects?
Yes, based on the listed pricing plans, subscriptions to GLM 5 include a commercial use license, allowing businesses to integrate its capabilities into their products and services.
How does the 128K context window benefit users?
The extensive 128K context window allows GLM 5 to understand and process very long documents—like full research papers or code repositories—in one go, enabling more accurate analysis, summarization, and code generation.
Is GLM 5 good for generating images?
Yes, the GLM 5 ecosystem includes the Seedream 5.0 model, which is specifically designed for generating high-quality, photorealistic images from text descriptions, available through the same platform.
What programming languages does GLM 5 support for code generation?
GLM 5 supports code generation and debugging across 50+ programming languages, making it a versatile tool for software developers working in diverse tech stacks.
How can I get started with GLM 5 for free?
You can start using GLM 5 for free by visiting the official chat interface at chat.z.ai, which provides free credits to new users for testing its chat, coding, and basic features.
GLM 5 Tags
GLM 5, large language model, open-source AI, Mixture of Experts, 128K context, AI coding, advanced reasoning, agentic AI, SOTA model, AI image generator, Seedream 5.0, AI API, multilingual AI