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OpenRouter

OpenRouter is a routing layer that lets one API key reach hundreds of models from dozens of providers — Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Mistral, Meta, DeepSeek, plus open-weights hosted by various partners. Best fit when you want to compare models or use a model that doesn't have a first-class adapter yet.

What you need​

  • An OpenRouter account: openrouter.ai
  • A funded balance (pay-as-you-go; minimum top-up is $5)
  • An API key (starts with sk-or-…)

Steps​

  1. Top up. openrouter.ai/credits — add $5–$10 to start.
  2. Create the key. openrouter.ai/keys → Create Key. Optionally set a credit limit per-key so a runaway session can't drain your balance.
  3. Add it to Kenaz. Providers → Add provider → OpenRouter. Paste the key, Test, Save.

Models and what they're for​

The full list lives at openrouter.ai/models — searchable, with per-model pricing and provider routing info. The model picker in Kenaz mirrors this list (it's pulled from the OpenRouter API on save).

A few patterns:

  • anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6, openai/gpt-5, google/gemini-2.5-pro — direct models from the major labs. Same prices as direct, ±a small OpenRouter margin.
  • :nitro suffix — fastest available host for a given model.
  • :floor suffix — cheapest available host.
  • openrouter/auto — OpenRouter picks for you.

Pricing​

OpenRouter's margin is documented on openrouter.ai/docs/quickstart. For most models it's a flat ~5% over the upstream rate. Kenaz's Usage view shows the total spend per session.

Privacy posture​

OpenRouter publishes per-provider data policies — some upstreams retain data, some don't. The Provider Routing page on each model lists the policy for each route.

If you need a hard guarantee no upstream stores your data:

  • Filter to providers with data_policy = "none" only — set this in the OpenRouter dashboard's privacy settings or per-key.
  • Or use the model's :nostore suffix where supported.

openrouter.ai/docs/features/privacy-and-logging is the canonical reference.

Troubleshooting​

  • 402 Insufficient credits — top up the balance.
  • provider not available — OpenRouter routes to multiple hosts per model and some go down. Retry usually picks a different one. If a specific model is permanently unavailable, the model card on openrouter.ai shows route status.
  • Tool use behaves differently than direct. Some upstreams have spotty function-calling support behind OpenRouter. If tools are critical, either use the direct provider adapter (Anthropic, OpenAI) or stick to models that explicitly advertise tools capability in the model card.