Best-of list
Best AI API gateways: hosted vs open-source
One API for many AI models: the three gateways that matter in 2026 — a free open-source router, a hosted credit-based hub, and a self-hosted enterprise proxy — with verified pricing.
How this list works
OmniRoute
OmniRoute is a free, MIT-licensed, self-hosted gateway with 268 providers reachable through one local endpoint, 90+ with documented free tiers and 11 free-forever providers. No subscription, no credit card — the cost is the machine you run it on. Best for budget-first creators and developers who want free model access without per-token fees.
OpenRouter
OpenRouter is the hosted option: 500+ models from 80+ providers behind one API key with prepaid credits, 0% markup pass-through, and a 5.5% platform fee on credit purchases ($0.80 minimum). A free tier gives 25+ free models at 50 requests/day. Best for teams that want zero infrastructure and one bill.
LiteLLM
LiteLLM is a free open-source gateway (100+ providers) with virtual keys, budgets, rate limits, LLM fallbacks, and request logging — plus an Enterprise edition priced annually by request capacity, never per token. Best for platform teams that need spend governance and self-hosting.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AI API gateway?
Software that routes API requests to many LLM providers through one OpenAI-compatible endpoint, adding fallbacks, spend tracking, and key management. OmniRoute, OpenRouter, and LiteLLM are three popular options.
Which AI gateway is free?
OmniRoute and LiteLLM are both free open-source gateways you self-host. OpenRouter has a free tier (25+ free models, 50 requests/day) but is otherwise paid by prepaid credits.
Is a self-hosted gateway hard to run?
Moderate: you manage installation, the database (LiteLLM uses PostgreSQL), uptime, and upgrades. Hosted OpenRouter removes that work in exchange for a 5.5% credit fee.
Can I use these with Claude Code or Cursor?
Yes — all three expose OpenAI-compatible APIs, so you point the tool at the gateway's base URL and pick models. Check each project's docs for the current setup flow.