OpenRouter

Free plan APIWeb

What OpenRouter is

OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through one API endpoint, with an interface for generating text, images, video and audio. Requests are load balanced across providers by default, and backup providers can take over when a primary is unavailable. Its API can work with the OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement when configured for OpenRouter; client SDK installation options are listed for TypeScript and Python. Compatible integrations include Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK and Zapier. Business requests can use EU or US regional endpoints; if no eligible provider is available in the selected region, a request fails rather than being sent elsewhere. Provider settings can control use of providers that may store data and restrict requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints. The Free plan includes 50 requests per day, 25+ free models and community support, but has no auto-routing, budget controls or prompt caching. Standard and Business are pay-as-you-go, with respective platform fees of 5.5% and 8% on credit purchases. Enterprise has custom fees and a contract through sales.

Who it suits

OpenRouter may suit developers and teams seeking one endpoint for multiple AI models, including those using the OpenAI SDK or listed integrations. Its regional routing and provider data controls may also matter to business users.

What it does well

Access to hundreds of models through one endpoint.
Default load balancing and backup providers.
OpenAI SDK compatibility is supported.
EU and US regional endpoints are available.
Provider settings include Zero Data Retention restrictions.

What to know first

Free plan is limited to 50 requests daily.
Free plan lacks auto-routing and budget controls.
Standard and Business charge platform fees on credit purchases.
Enterprise pricing is custom and requires a sales contract.

Limits

The Free plan allows 50 requests per day and does not include auto-routing, budget controls, or prompt caching. Standard and Business are billed pay-as-you-go and add platform fees of 5.5% and 8% respectively on credit purchases.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Free; inference uses credits · 25+ free models · 4 free providers · 5 workspaces · 50 requests/day · community support	Free
Business	Pay-as-you-go; 8% platform fee on credit purchases · EU and US in-region routing · 1,000 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support	Free
Standard	Pay-as-you-go; 5.5% platform fee on credit purchases · 500+ models · 80+ providers · 5 workspaces · provider rate limits · email support	Free
Enterprise	Custom fees and contract through sales · Custom workspace limit · higher rate limit allowances available · dedicated support team	On request

As openrouter.ai lists them, read 29 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit https://openrouter.ai/ and review the available plans.
Choose a plan: Free is credit-based; Standard and Business use pay-as-you-go billing.
Configure an API request using the OpenRouter endpoint and, if desired, the OpenAI SDK.
Install the TypeScript or Python client SDK if it fits your setup.
Connect a compatible integration such as Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK, or Zapier.

Verdict

OpenRouter brings model access, routing and integrations together behind a single endpoint. The Free plan has a daily request cap, while pay-as-you-go plans apply platform fees to credit purchases.

Questions

Does OpenRouter have a free plan?

Yes. Free costs nothing, uses credits for inference, and includes 50 requests per day.

What are the Standard and Business fees?

Both are pay-as-you-go. Standard charges a 5.5% platform fee on credit purchases; Business charges 8%.

Can I use OpenRouter with the OpenAI SDK?

Yes. The API supports the OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement when pointed at OpenRouter.

Which regional routing options are available?

Business requests can be routed to providers inside the EU or US. If no eligible provider is available in the chosen region, the request fails rather than routing outside it.

Which integrations are listed as compatible?

The integrations directory includes Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK, and Zapier.

Is OpenRouter self-hosted?

No. Self-hosted deployment is listed as unavailable.

Facts from OpenRouter's own pages

API compatibility: The API supports the OpenAI SDK as a drop-in replacement when pointed at OpenRouter. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Company history: OpenRouter says it started in early 2023 as an LLM marketplace. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Compliance: The OpenRouter Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type 2 under compliance. · trust.openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Data controls: Provider routing settings can control whether providers that may store data are used and can restrict requests to Zero Data Retention endpoints. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Founded: 2023 · openrouter.ai, 28 Sept 2026
Free tier limit: The Free plan includes 50 requests per day and no auto-routing, budget controls, or prompt caching. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Integrations: The integrations directory lists tools including Open WebUI, Cline, LangChain, Vercel AI SDK, and Zapier as compatible with OpenRouter. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Intended users: The pricing page describes its plans as serving indie hackers, AI-native startups, growing teams, and enterprises. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Pricing model: OpenRouter says it passes through provider pricing and deducts usage costs from account credits. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Product scope: The homepage says the unified interface supports text, images, videos, and audio generation. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
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. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Routing and fallback: Requests are load balanced across providers by default, and backup providers can be used when the primary is unavailable. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
SDKs: The quickstart lists OpenRouter client SDK installation options for TypeScript and Python. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
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. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026
Unified model access: OpenRouter provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single API endpoint. · openrouter.ai, 29 Sept 2026