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Setup OpenRouter — Free Access to 50+ AI Models

OpenRouter gives you a single free API key to access Claude, Llama, Mistral, DeepSeek, and 50+ other models.

10 min4 steps17 viewsUpdated Aug 5, 2026
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What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter is an AI gateway that unifies access to over 50 language models from Anthropic, Meta, Mistral, Google, and others — all through a single API key.

Why Use OpenRouter?

  • Many models are permanently free with no rate limits
  • One API key works with all models
  • Compatible with the OpenAI API format
  • Works with Continue.dev, Claude Code, Open WebUI, and more

Create Your Free Account

  1. Go to openrouter.ai
  2. Click Sign Up (top right)
  3. Sign in with Google, GitHub, or email
  4. Verify your email if prompted

You now have a free OpenRouter account with access to dozens of models.

✓ Success
No credit card needed. Free models are available immediately after signing up.

Create an API Key

Browse Free Models

Test Your Key with a Simple Request

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Keep it running 24/7

Your setup works — now give it a home that never sleeps.

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Disclosure: some links on this page are partner links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

RecommendedOpenRouter

One API key for every model Strix supports

Point Strix at OpenRouter and switch between OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and open-weight models without juggling keys. Pay-as-you-go, no subscription.

Get an OpenRouter key

Disclosure: some links on this page are partner links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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