yangmao.ai · daily-updated AI free tier database
OpenRouter API Pricing: Free Models, Routing Fees, and Limits
Quick answer: OpenRouter is best when model coverage and fast switching matter more than direct-provider simplicity. Compare free-route reliability, provider markups, rate limits, and fallback rules before production.
Quick answer
OpenRouter free models, routing cost, model coverage, and direct-provider alternatives
Short answer: OpenRouter is best when model coverage and fast switching matter more than direct-provider simplicity. Compare free-route reliability, provider markups, rate limits, and fallback rules before production.
Quick verdict
- Free tier: Varies by model
- Free API trial: Free models
- Access: relay or proxy may be needed
- Best for: chat / coding
Models and limits
| Model | Context | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Models (多个) | varies | 20 RPM | Multiple free models available (Llama, Gemma, etc.) |
Free API credits
Yes
Free models · 20 RPM
Some models are completely free, no payment needed
Access notes
Proxy may be needed
Requires proxy. Aggregates 400+ models, one key for all.
If multiple provider keys become painful, compare official providers, API gateways, and alternatives.
Recommended path
Start from the main OpenRouter profile and confirm whether it fits your task.
Create an API key after signup and use the Free models first.
Run one or two real tasks before paying or switching providers.
If access is unstable, compare relay options or local alternatives.
Production decision checks
OpenRouter free credits are for validation. Before launch, record cost per 1K requests, retry-adjusted cost, and a monthly spend cap.
If you already use the OpenAI SDK, verify OpenRouter base URL, model names, streaming, tool calling, and JSON mode before migration.
Keep one similar provider or OpenLLMAPI route ready so credit exhaustion, regional access issues, or model deprecations do not break users.
Save this source snapshot plus the official console state so future quota, pricing, and rate-limit changes can be audited.
Related deals
Alternatives
Credit-change alerts
Get notified when OpenRouter credits, pricing, or Mainland China access changes; compare official providers, API gateways, and alternatives before production.
Subscribe → Compare API gateways → Use OpenLLMAPI fallback →Source snapshot
Generated from the yangmao.ai provider database plus public provider documentation. Free credits, prices, and rate limits can change; verify in the official console before production.
- Data source
- yangmao.ai provider tracker + official provider documentation review
- Official source
- https://openrouter.ai
- Last updated
- 2026-06-16
- Free tier
- Varies by model
- API credits
- Free models
- Rate limit
- 20 RPM
FAQ
Does OpenRouter have a free tier?
Yes. Current record: Varies by model. Always confirm on the official site before relying on it.
Can I try the OpenRouter API for free?
Yes. Current record: Free models, rate limit: 20 RPM.
Can I use OpenRouter without a credit card?
You can usually try free product features first, but card requirements may change on signup.
What are good OpenRouter alternatives?
Check the alternatives section below or open the OpenRouter alternatives page.