OpenRouter

What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter is a unified API and model marketplace that gives developers access to AI models from many providers through one interface. Applications can use a largely OpenAI-compatible request format, a shared credit balance, and centralized usage controls instead of maintaining a separate integration and billing relationship for every model provider.

How the OpenRouter API works

Choose a model

Developers can compare available models, context limits, capabilities, and usage prices before selecting a model identifier. The same API key and client pattern can then be used when an application changes models or lets users choose between them.

Route requests to providers

OpenRouter can send a model request through eligible providers and use routing preferences for availability, price, performance, or data handling. Fallback behavior gives applications another provider option when the preferred route is unavailable.

Monitor usage and costs

Credits work across supported models, while dashboards and API-key controls help teams inspect consumption and separate environments or applications. Actual inference cost follows the selected model, provider route, token usage, and any applicable platform fees.

OpenRouter model testing and discovery

The model catalog, rankings, examples, and browser chat interface help developers explore models before adding them to an application. This makes it possible to compare outputs and identify an appropriate model without first building a custom interface for every provider.

OpenRouter controls for production applications

Organizations can create and manage API keys, apply budgets or limits, configure provider preferences, and choose data policies that match their requirements. Bring-your-own-key options are also available for supported providers. Exact model availability and routing behavior can change as providers and model versions are added or retired.