OpenRouter

OpenRouter API / model access Free way to start

One API key for hundreds of models, passed through at provider prices. Free models exist (rate-limited). Pairs well with Cline, aider, or OpenCode.

Verified against official sources · Last checked: 2026-09-19

Capabilities

Read local project Not supported API layer — plug it into a coding tool that reads projects.
Edit files Not supported Not applicable by itself.
Run commands Not supported Not applicable by itself.
Image input Conditional Depends on the model you route to.
Long autonomous tasks Not supported Not applicable by itself.

Working experience

Code quality Untested
Works on its own Untested
Speed Good
Stability Good

Editorial assessment based on official documentation and publicly known behavior — not a field-test score. Sources and check date on this page.

🧪 ResetDog field notes

No completed field test for this tool yet. The capability descriptions on this page come from official documentation.

🎯 Good for

🧭 How you use it

API / bring-your-own-key
Works on: web

💰 Cost & quota

Pay-as-you-go · Free tier

🆓 Free / trial access

Many $0 models: 50 requests/day free, raised to 1,000/day once you have purchased at least 10 credits.

🏷️ Pricing notes

No subscription; per-token, no markup on model prices. A 5.5% fee (min $0.80) applies when buying credits; credits may expire after one year. BYOK (your own provider keys) is free up to $25k/month of list-price usage.

See pricing page ↗

🚀 Setup

Create an account, buy credits (or use free models), create an API key, and paste it into a BYOK tool like Cline.

⚠️ Main limitations

  • Credit purchase fee and 1-year credit expiry.
  • Free models are rate-limited and can be busy.

🔒 Privacy & data

Prompts route to the underlying provider you select; see OpenRouter privacy policy and per-provider policies. Official privacy policy ↗

🧾 What is official vs ours

Facts like pricing, plans, and capability limits come from the official pages linked below, checked on the date shown. Summaries and task-fit notes are written by ResetDog. Anything marked “conditional” or “unknown” was not fully confirmed — treat it as unverified.