OpenRouter

Web · API

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Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.4

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

OpenRouter is ranked #8 of 32 in LLM gateway software on Freedom251. It runs on API, Web. There is a free plan.

OpenRouter plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free Free; inference uses credits 25+ free models · 4 free providers · 5 workspaces · 50 requests/day · community support openrouter.ai · 29 Sept 2026

Business Free Pay-as-you-go; 8% platform fee on credit purchases EU and US in-region routing · 1,000 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support openrouter.ai · 29 Sept 2026

Standard Free Pay-as-you-go; 5.5% platform fee on credit purchases 500+ models · 80+ providers · 5 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support openrouter.ai · 29 Sept 2026

Enterprise Not published Custom fees and contract through sales Custom workspace limit · higher rate limit allowances available · dedicated support team openrouter.ai · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on LLM gateway software

Free plan: Yes
Provider count: 80
Fallback routing: Yes
Usage analytics: Yes
Self-hosted deployment: No
Budget controls: Yes
Virtual API keys: Yes

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The record

Unified model access: OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single API endpoint.
Product scope: The homepage says the unified interface supports text, images, videos, and audio generation.
Routing and fallback: Requests are load balanced across providers by default, and backup providers can be used when the primary is unavailable.
Pricing model: OpenRouter says it passes through provider pricing and deducts usage costs from account credits.
API compatibility: The API supports the OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement when pointed at OpenRouter.
SDKs: The quickstart lists OpenRouter client SDK installation options for TypeScript and Python.
Integrations: The integrations directory lists tools including Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK, and Zapier as compatible with OpenRouter.
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.
Data controls: Provider routing settings can control whether providers that may store data are used and can restrict requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints.
Compliance: The OpenRouter Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type 2 under compliance.
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.
Free tier limit: The Free plan includes 50 requests per day and no auto-routing, budget controls, or prompt caching.
Intended users: The pricing page describes its plans as serving indie hackers, AI-native startups, growing teams, and enterprises.
Company history: OpenRouter says it started in early 2023 as an LLM marketplace.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best LLM Gateway Software in 2026#8 of 32

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Sources

openrouter.ai/docs/quickstart· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/docs/guides/routing/provider-selection· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/support· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/works-with-openrouter· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/business· checked 29 Sept 2026
trust.openrouter.ai· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/pricing· checked 29 Sept 2026
openrouter.ai/about· checked 29 Sept 2026