One API endpoint to route requests across hundreds of AI models
OpenRouter is a model gateway that exposes many third-party AI models through one OpenAI-compatible API. Teams can compare providers, set routing preferences, and switch models without rewriting core client logic for each vendor SDK. The service publishes per-model pricing and supports pay-as-you-go usage.
Use cases
- Benchmarking prompts across multiple model vendors with one integration
- Failing over to alternate providers when one endpoint is degraded
- Controlling model spend by selecting cheaper routes per task
- Shipping prototypes quickly without committing to a single model vendor
- Running internal eval pipelines over a shared model catalog
Key features
- OpenAI-compatible API endpoint for model calls
- Model catalog spanning text, image, and other modalities
- Per-model pricing visibility before sending requests
- Provider routing controls for latency, cost, and availability
- Single-key integration that reduces per-vendor SDK wiring
Who Is It For?
- Application developers shipping multi-model AI products
- Platform engineers responsible for LLM reliability and cost controls
- Startups that need flexible model sourcing during rapid iteration
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does OpenRouter expose only one model family?
- No. OpenRouter lists models from many providers and lets you call them through one API surface.
- Can I use OpenAI SDK-style calls with OpenRouter?
- OpenRouter documents an OpenAI-compatible API, so existing OpenAI-style client patterns can often be adapted with endpoint and key changes.
- How is pricing presented?
- OpenRouter publishes pricing by model on its pricing and models pages; actual cost depends on the model and token usage you select.
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