How do I get started with OpenRouter?

To begin using OpenRouter, create an account and add credits on the Credits page. Credits are deposits that you use for LLM inference, and they're deducted from your account as you make API requests. Once you have credits, you can either use the chat interface or create API keys to start using the API.

Why should I use OpenRouter?

OpenRouter eliminates the complexity of managing multiple AI provider APIs. Instead of juggling separate API keys and authentication methods for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and others, you use a single API key to access their entire model catalog. The platform automatically handles authentication, billing, and error handling while providing automatic fallbacks to backup providers if your first choice fails.

How is OpenRouter priced?

OpenRouter passes through provider pricing while pooling uptime for better reliability. Each model and provider has a different price per million tokens. You only pay for what you actually use—there's no subscription or monthly bill. Some models also offer free access with a limited number of daily requests.

What payment options are available?

OpenRouter offers a free trial (approximately $1 in credits) with paid access afterward. You add credits to your account and draw from this shared credit pool as you make requests.

What API endpoints are available?

OpenRouter implements the OpenAI API specification for /completions and /chat/completions endpoints, allowing you to use any model with the same request/response format. Additional endpoints like /api/v1/models are also available. The API is fully OpenAI compatible, meaning existing OpenAI code will work with just a URL endpoint change.

What formats does the API support?

The API supports text and images. Images can be passed as URLs or base64 encoded images. PDF and other file types are coming soon.

Can I use streaming with OpenRouter?

Yes, streaming is supported through the stream: true parameter.

What is the expected latency?

For each model on OpenRouter, latency (time to first token) and token throughput information is displayed for all providers. You can use this to estimate how long requests will take. If you want to optimize for throughput, you can use the :nitro variant to route to the fastest provider.

What dynamic variants are available?

OpenRouter supports several dynamic variants that change how requests are routed or used, including :extended which means the model has longer than usual context length, :thinking where the model supports reasoning by default, :online where all requests will run a query to extract web results attached to the prompt, :nitro which routes to the fastest provider for optimized throughput, :floor which prioritizes the lowest price, :beta which is not moderated by OpenRouter, and :exacto which uses only OpenRouter-curated high-quality endpoints.

What data does OpenRouter log?

OpenRouter logs basic request metadata including timestamps, model names, and token counts. However, prompts and completions are not logged by default.

How do I get support?

For account and billing questions, email support@openrouter.ai. You can also browse OpenRouter's comprehensive guides, documentation, help center, and FAQ to find answers.

Where can I find more information?

OpenRouter provides a Quick Start Guide, technical documentation, and API references through their developer portal. You can also check the OpenRouter Discord for updates on service status.

OpenRouter

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OpenRouter lets you use over 500 AI models from many providers with just one API key. It handles the complicated parts like billing and authentication, ensuring models are reliable and affordable without a subscription. This makes adding AI to your projects much simpler and more dependable for developers.

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Overview Features Use Cases FAQ Integrations Pricing

About OpenRouter

Who It's For

This tool is for developers and teams using AI. It simplifies working with many different AI models, removing the need for multiple API keys. It's perfect for those seeking reliable service and better prices for their AI projects.

What You Get

You get one API key to use over 500 AI models from many providers, like OpenAI and Google. This simplifies access greatly. OpenRouter ensures better prices and models are always available, even with provider issues. You also control your data.

How It Works

First, sign up and add credits, which work with any model. Then, get an API key that works with your existing OpenAI-compatible code. OpenRouter intelligently routes your requests to the best AI, handling all the complex backend details automatically.

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Features & Capabilities

⚙️ Core API & Connectivity

Unified API Access

Access all major LLMs through a single, unified interface, simplifying integration.

OpenAI SDK Compatibility

Works out-of-the-box with the OpenAI SDK, allowing seamless migration and development.

Extensive Model Catalog

Provides access to over 500 models from more than 60 active providers.

📈 Performance & Reliability

High Availability

Ensures reliable AI models through distributed infrastructure with automatic provider fallback.

Optimized Edge Performance

Minimizes latency by running at the edge, adding only ~15ms between users and inference.

Cost-Effective Routing

Keeps costs in check without sacrificing speed through intelligent provider selection.

🔒 Data Security & Control

Custom Data Policies

Allows organizations to define fine-grained policies for prompt routing and data handling.

Trusted Provider Control

Ensures prompts are only sent to models and providers that meet your trust criteria.

🔍 Model Discovery & Insights

Comprehensive Model Exploration

Discover and browse a wide collection of AI models from various labs and providers.

Performance & Usage Rankings

Explore detailed token usage and performance rankings for models and public applications.

Use Cases

Streamlining LLM Integration for Developers

Developers often face significant complexity integrating and managing various LLM APIs, each with unique requirements. OpenRouter provides a single, OpenAI-compatible API endpoint to access a vast catalog of models, simplifying integration, authentication, billing, and error handling for faster development and deployment.

B2B SaaS, AI/ML DevelopmentFor: AI/ML Engineers, Software Developers

Ensuring High Availability and Performance for AI Applications

Maintaining consistent uptime and low latency for AI-powered applications is crucial but challenging due to potential individual LLM provider outages or performance issues. OpenRouter's distributed infrastructure and automatic fallbacks guarantee higher availability, while dynamic variants like ':nitro' optimize for speed, ensuring reliable and performant AI services.

Enterprise Technology, B2B SaaSFor: DevOps Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers, CTOs

Optimizing LLM Costs and Model Flexibility

Organizations need flexible access to a wide range of LLMs without incurring high, fixed subscription costs, and the ability to choose models based on price or performance. OpenRouter's pay-as-you-go model and provider routing capabilities (e.g., ':floor' variant) enable developers to dynamically select the most cost-effective or highest-performing models, preventing vendor lock-in and controlling expenses.

Technology, Startups, Enterprise AIFor: Engineering Managers, Product Managers, CTOs

Implementing Secure and Private Enterprise AI Solutions

Enterprises handling sensitive data require stringent controls over how their prompts and data interact with third-party LLM providers to ensure privacy and regulatory compliance. OpenRouter offers custom data policies to restrict prompt routing to trusted providers and explicitly avoids logging prompts and completions by default, addressing critical security and privacy concerns for enterprise applications.

Financial Services, Healthcare, Enterprise AIFor: Security Architects, Compliance Officers, Enterprise AI Developers

Frequently asked questions

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