OpenRouter
OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single API endpoint.
What OpenRouter is
OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single API endpoint. Its interface supports generation of text, images, video and audio. Requests are load balanced across providers by default, and backup providers can be used when the primary is unavailable. The API can serve as a drop-in replacement with the OpenAI SDK when pointed at OpenRouter, and client SDK installation options are listed for TypeScript and Python. Its compatible integrations include Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK and Zapier. Business requests can use EU or US regional endpoints; if no eligible provider is available in the selected region, the request fails rather than routing outside it. Provider settings can restrict use of providers that may store data and limit requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints. The Free plan has 50 requests per day and does not include auto-routing, budget controls or prompt caching. Standard and Business are pay-as-you-go plans with platform fees on credit purchases; Enterprise has custom fees and a contract through sales.
Good
- Provides access to hundreds of models through one endpoint.
- Default routing load balances across providers and supports backups.
- Supports OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement.
- Business requests can be routed within EU or US regions.
- Provider settings can restrict requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints.
Watch out
- Free plan is limited to 50 requests per day.
- Free plan lacks auto-routing, budget controls and prompt caching.
- Standard and Business charge platform fees on credit purchases.
- Enterprise fees and contract terms are custom.
Who it suits
OpenRouter suits developers and teams who want to access multiple AI models through one API. Its listed plans address indie hackers, AI-native startups, growing teams and enterprises, with regional routing options for business requests.
Verdict
OpenRouter centralizes model access with provider routing, SDK compatibility and regional routing choices. Review the free-tier limits and applicable platform fees before selecting a plan.
Plans and prices
From OpenRouter's own pricing page, checked 29 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Free | EU and US in-region routing · 1,000 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support · Pay-as-you-go; 8% platform fee on credit purchases |
| Free | Free | 25+ free models · 4 free providers · 5 workspaces · 50 requests/day · community support · Free; inference uses credits |
| Standard | Free | 500+ models · 80+ providers · 5 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support · Pay-as-you-go; 5.5% platform fee on credit purchases |
| Enterprise | Priced on request | Custom workspace limit · higher rate limit allowances available · dedicated support team · Custom fees and contract through sales |
The facts
Each one read from OpenRouter's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API compatibility
- The API supports the OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement when pointed at OpenRouter.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Compliance
- The OpenRouter Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type 2 under compliance.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Data controls
- Provider routing settings can control whether providers that may store data are used and can restrict requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The integrations directory lists tools including Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK, and Zapier as compatible with OpenRouter.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The pricing page describes its plans as serving indie hackers, AI-native startups, growing teams, and enterprises.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Pricing model
- OpenRouter says it passes through provider pricing and deducts usage costs from account credits.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Product scope
- The homepage says the unified interface supports text, images, videos, and audio generation.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Regional routing
- Business requests can be routed to providers inside the EU or US using regional endpoints, and requests fail rather than falling back outside the chosen region when no eligible provider is available.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Routing and fallback
- Requests are load balanced across providers by default, and backup providers can be used when the primary is unavailable.checked 29 Sep 2026
- SDKs
- The quickstart lists OpenRouter client SDK installation options for TypeScript and Python.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- OpenRouter directs users to its help center, support ticket form, documentation, and community Discord; pricing lists community, email, or dedicated support according to plan.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Unified model access
- OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single API endpoint.checked 29 Sep 2026
The company
- Company history
- OpenRouter says it started in early 2023 as an LLM marketplace.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Founded
- 2023checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free tier limit
- The Free plan includes 50 requests per day and no auto-routing, budget controls, or prompt caching.checked 29 Sep 2026
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