OpenRouter
US · router
The reference model router: one OpenAI-compatible endpoint in front of 400+ models and 100+ hosts, with automatic price and uptime failover.
- Category
- router
- Free tier
- Yes
- OpenAI API
- Compatible
- Adds on top
- 0% on tokens; 5.5% ($0.80 min) on credit purchase; BYOK 5% above $25k/mo
Margin over the underlying model price
OpenRouter alternatives
Other services in the same category. These are genuine substitutes - services in a different category solve a different problem.
AI/ML API
Single subscription-style endpoint fronting 300+ text, image and audio models.
Eden AI
One API across many AI vendors, spanning language, vision, speech and OCR.
Requesty
Routing layer positioned as a direct OpenRouter alternative, emphasising caching and spend controls.
Vercel AI Gateway
One endpoint and one bill across providers, wired into the Vercel AI SDK with automatic failover.
Frequently asked
Is OpenRouter OpenAI-compatible?
Yes. OpenRouter accepts the OpenAI chat-completions request shape, so most SDKs work by changing the base URL and API key.
Does OpenRouter have a free tier?
Yes - OpenRouter offers free usage, though limits and eligible models change frequently. Check the pricing page before relying on it.
How does OpenRouter charge?
Upstream price plus a credit purchase fee; BYO-key supported Margin over the underlying model price: 0% on tokens; 5.5% ($0.80 min) on credit purchase; byok 5% above $25k/mo.