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.
0 of 4 steps complete
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
- Go to openrouter.ai
- Click Sign Up (top right)
- Sign in with Google, GitHub, or email
- Verify your email if prompted
You now have a free OpenRouter account with access to dozens of models.
Create an API Key
Browse Free Models
Test Your Key with a Simple Request
AI models related to this guide
Gemini 1.5 Pro model profile
Google's most capable model with a massive 1M token context window. Excellent for document analysis and long-context reasoning.
Llama 3.1 70B model profile
Meta's powerful open-source model. Runs locally with strong coding and reasoning. Requires 32GB RAM for smooth inference.
Qwen 2.5 Coder 7B model profile
Alibaba's specialized coding model. Outperforms GPT-4o on many coding benchmarks while running locally on 16GB RAM.
DeepSeek R1 model profile
Open-source reasoning model that rivals o1 performance. Free via API with exceptional math, logic, and coding capabilities.
Related AI setup guides
Install Ollama and Run LLMs Locally
Run Llama 3, Mistral, DeepSeek, and more AI models on your own PC — completely offline and private.
Local ModelsRun DeepSeek Coder Locally with Ollama
DeepSeek is one of the world's best free coding AIs. Run it 100% offline on your PC in under 10 minutes.
Development ToolsSetup Continue.dev AI Autocomplete in VS Code
Add AI autocomplete, inline editing, and chat to VS Code using free local or API models.
AI Coding AssistantsInstall Claude Code Using OpenRouter (Free)
Get Claude Code running for free in minutes using OpenRouter's generous free-tier models. No Anthropic account needed.