OpenRouter

One API and key to reach hundreds of AI models from many different providers.

Free + PaidAI Models & Developer APIs#6 in Models & Developer APIsby OpenRouter
Visit OpenRouter (opens in a new tab)

What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter gives you a single API and key for many language models from different companies. It handles routing and fallbacks, shows prices side by side and works with OpenAI-style code. You can also chat with models in the browser to compare them.

Best for: Developers who want to switch or compare models without many integrations.

What you can do with OpenRouter

  1. Try several models with the same code

  2. Add a fallback model for reliability

  3. Compare model prices before choosing

Key features

  • Single API for many providers
  • OpenAI-compatible endpoints
  • Automatic fallbacks
  • Price and model comparison

OpenRouter pros and cons

Pros

  • Huge model selection
  • Easy to switch models
  • Some free models

Cons

  • Adds a middle layer between you and providers
  • Model availability can change

OpenRouter pricing

Free + PaidSome free models; others billed per use

OpenRouter has a free plan, with paid plans that add more usage or features. Plans change often, so check the official site for current prices.

How to get started

  1. Open openrouter.ai and create a free account.
  2. Try one real task first: try several models with the same code.
  3. Compare the result with OpenAI API Platform or Claude Developer Platform, then keep the one that fits how you work.

Compare OpenRouter

Side-by-side comparisons of features, pricing, pros and cons.

OpenRouter alternatives

Other tools that do a similar job, ranked by our editors.

All OpenRouter alternatives

  • OpenAI API Platform

    PaidEditor's pick

    OpenAI's developer platform for building apps with GPT, image, audio and embedding models.

    AI Models & Developer APIsVisit

  • Google AI Studio

    Free + Paid

    Google's browser workspace for trying Gemini models and getting a Gemini API key.

    AI Models & Developer APIsVisit

  • Ollama

    Open source

    Run open language models locally on your own computer with one simple command.

    AI Models & Developer APIsVisit

  • LM Studio

    Free

    Desktop app for discovering, downloading and chatting with local language models.

    AI Models & Developer APIsVisit

  • Replicate

    Paid

    Run thousands of open-source AI models in the cloud with a simple API.

    AI Models & Developer APIsVisit

Top AI model platforms

How OpenRouter compares with the best in AI Models & Developer APIs.

  1. 1. OpenAI API Platform

    Paid

    OpenAI's developer platform for building apps with GPT, image, audio and embedding models.

  2. 2. Claude Developer Platform

    Paid

    Anthropic's console and API for building with the Claude family of models.

  3. 3. Google AI Studio

    Free + Paid

    Google's browser workspace for trying Gemini models and getting a Gemini API key.

  4. 4. Ollama

    Open source

    Run open language models locally on your own computer with one simple command.

  5. 5. FLUX by Black Forest Labs

    Free + Paid

    A family of high-quality image models for generating and editing pictures from text.

See all 22 AI model platforms

OpenRouter FAQ

What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter gives you a single API and key for many language models from different companies. It handles routing and fallbacks, shows prices side by side and works with OpenAI-style code. You can also chat with models in the browser to compare them.

Is OpenRouter free?

OpenRouter has a free plan, with paid plans that add more usage or features. Some free models; others billed per use. Check the official site for current limits and prices.

What can you do with OpenRouter?

With OpenRouter you can try several models with the same code; add a fallback model for reliability; compare model prices before choosing.

Who is OpenRouter best for?

Developers who want to switch or compare models without many integrations.

Does OpenRouter have an app?

OpenRouter runs as web app and api; we know of no dedicated phone or desktop app.

Who makes OpenRouter?

OpenRouter is made by OpenRouter.

What are the best alternatives to OpenRouter?

Popular alternatives include OpenAI API Platform, Claude Developer Platform, Google AI Studio and Ollama. See the full ranking on our AI Models & Developer APIs page.

AltFTool is not affiliated with OpenRouter. This summary was written by our editors from the tool's public information. Browse all 451 AI tools