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Claude API vs AWS Bedrock Claude: Direct vs Cloud Channel

Short answer

Use the direct Anthropic API for transparent token pricing with explicit cache-read/write and batch tiers (Sonnet 4.6 at $3/$15 per 1M). Use AWS Bedrock when you need enterprise AWS governance and region control — but its pricing is model- and region-specific.

Choose Claude API

Choose the direct Claude API for the clearest cache and batch economics and the fastest access to new models.

Choose AWS Bedrock Claude

Choose AWS Bedrock when your stack, compliance, and networking already live in AWS and you need region/quota control.

Side by side

Claude API AWS Bedrock Claude
Sonnet 4.6 input $3.00/1M Needs review (region-specific)
Sonnet 4.6 output $15.00/1M Needs review (region-specific)
Cache read $0.30/1M Varies by model/region
Governance Anthropic platform AWS IAM, VPC, regions
Best for Direct, transparent pricing Enterprise AWS deployment
View Claude API → View AWS Bedrock Claude →

Claude is available both directly from Anthropic and through AWS Bedrock, and they are commercially distinct supply paths. The direct API publishes clear per-1M token prices with explicit cache-read, cache-write, and batch tiers — Sonnet 4.6 at $3.00 input and $15.00 output, for example.

Bedrock's value is enterprise integration: IAM, VPC networking, region selection, and consolidated AWS billing. The trade-off is that Bedrock pricing is model-, region-, and mode-specific, so a single normalized rate can't be quoted without choosing those. For that reason PlanPulse keeps Bedrock rows marked Needs review until the model and region are pinned.

FAQ

Is Claude cheaper on Bedrock or direct?
It depends on the model, region, and deployment mode on Bedrock. The direct Anthropic API gives the clearest baseline with published cache and batch tiers.
Why use Bedrock at all?
For enterprise AWS governance: IAM permissions, VPC networking, region/quota control, and unified billing alongside other AWS services.

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