OpenRouter
OpenRouter gives developers one OpenAI-compatible API and one credit balance to access hundreds of AI models from many providers, with routing and fallbacks.
About this tool
OpenRouter is a unified interface to large language models. Instead of creating accounts and keys with each provider, developers use one API key and one credit balance to call models from many companies, through an API compatible with OpenAI’s format. Switching models becomes a configuration change rather than a new integration.
The platform routes requests between providers to improve price and uptime, falls back when a provider fails, and lets teams set preferences such as preferred vendors or data-policy rules. Model prices are passed through from providers; heavier users on Business or Enterprise plans get administration features, and OpenRouter has added audio models and server-side tools for agents.
What you can do
One API for many models
Access models from multiple providers through a single OpenAI-compatible endpoint, SDKs and one credit balance.
Routing and fallbacks
Requests can be routed automatically for price or availability, with fallbacks when a provider has an outage.
Data policy controls
Route only to providers that meet your data and model policies, which matters for sensitive workloads.
Plans for teams
Business and Enterprise plans add organisation features, signed terms on request and higher allowances.
Who is it for?
- A startup compares several models in production without separate integrations.
- An app keeps working during a provider outage thanks to automatic fallbacks.
- A team routes requests only to providers that meet its data-retention policy.
Before you choose
Adding an intermediary means reviewing OpenRouter’s data handling as well as each underlying provider’s terms.
Above the included monthly volume, a percentage fee applies on top of provider prices; estimate costs at your real usage.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenRouter compatible with OpenAI SDKs?
Yes, OpenRouter’s API follows the OpenAI format, so existing code can switch by changing the base URL and key.
How does OpenRouter charge?
You buy credits used at the providers’ prices; plans include a monthly volume without platform fee, then a small percentage fee.
Can I choose which providers handle my data?
Yes, OpenRouter offers provider preferences and data-policy based routing to restrict where requests go.
Check the official website for current features, pricing, and terms.
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