OpenRouter is a unified API platform that offers access to over 400 AI models from various providers, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta, through a single endpoint. Instead of juggling separate API keys and integrations for each provider, developers can use one key to access their entire model catalog. OpenRouter acts as an intelligent router, directing requests to the appropriate provider while handling authentication, billing, and error management. It is not an AI model itself but rather a platform layer that connects to the expanding ecosystem of AI models.
Key features include a unified API for managing multiple AI models, high availability through distributed infrastructure and automatic provider fallback, and scalability to meet the demands of growing applications. It is compatible with the OpenAI SDK, allowing seamless migration and development. OpenRouter supports customizable data policies to ensure prompts only go to trusted models and providers. The platform offers cost-conscious model selection, speed optimization, and task-specific models.
OpenRouter operates on a pay-as-you-go model, where users add credits to their account and pay only for what they use. There are no monthly fees or minimum spends. As of mid-2025, credit purchases via card incur a 5.5% fee (minimum $0.80), and crypto purchases have a 5% fee with no minimum. The platform does not mark up provider pricing; users pay the prices listed in the model catalog, which are exactly what they would see on the providers' websites. OpenRouter is currently available.
