What is OpenRouter?
OpenRouter is a unified API and marketplace that routes requests to hundreds of models from many providers, with fallbacks, price comparison and a single bill.
Best for: Developers, Hobbyists.
Key features
- Unified API
- Provider routing and fallbacks
- Model rankings
- Free models
- Single billing
Pros and cons
Pros
- Switch models with one line
- Easy cost comparison
Cons
- Small markup on credits
- Adds a middle layer to debug
OpenRouter pricing
| Pricing model | Free plan |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | API, Web |
| Launched | 2023 |
Prices change often. Check the OpenRouter website for current plans.
Our verdict
OpenRouter scores 8.4/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: switch models with one line. The main drawback: small markup on credits. If it isn't the right fit, OpenAI API is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is OpenRouter?
OpenRouter is a unified API and marketplace that routes requests to hundreds of models from many providers, with fallbacks, price comparison and a single bill.
Is OpenRouter free?
OpenRouter has a free plan with limits.
What are the best OpenRouter alternatives?
Popular alternatives include OpenAI API, Anthropic API, Google Gemini API, Hugging Face.
Who is OpenRouter best for?
OpenRouter is best for developers, hobbyists.