/ai · verified 2026-05-12

OpenRouter

Name: OpenRouter
Brand: OpenRouter

Multi-provider LLM API aggregator. Accepts crypto for top-ups.

Maintainer: OpenRouter

⚠ POLICY CHANGED

light kyc MULTI-MODEL API api available

Visit OpenRouter → ⚠ Report Markdown twin Share ↗

At a glance

Grade: B ()
KYC posture: light kyc
Fees: Per-token, per-model · crypto top-ups · email required
Last verified: 2026-05-12
Operating since: 2023 · 3y

B Why grade B?

Solid pick. Verified working but with a meaningful caveat (UX rough, smaller market, intermediate trust step, partial coverage). Listed because the trade-off is sometimes worth it.

Full rubric + 7-step verification walkthrough at /methodology.

curator verdict · bottom line

Curator Verdict & OpSec Breakdown

THE BOTTOM LINE

OpenRouter is a verified, functional AI service that performs solidly for day-to-day use, provided readers account for its specific operational trade-offs.

✓

Proven Strengths

▸ Established operational track record: serving users continuously since 2023 (3 years).

⚠

OpSec Trade-offs & Caveats

▸ Heuristic KYC triggers: transactions or accounts may be frozen for ID review if flagged by automated risk rules.
▸ Clearnet-only footprint: lacks an official .onion hidden service mirror; exposes visitor network IP unless routed through VPN/Tor.

Review

Routes a single API call to whichever model you specify across OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Llama, etc. Account requires email but balance top-up accepts crypto. Useful when you want model variety without per-vendor accounts.

Fees

Per-token, per-model · crypto top-ups · email required

Audit trail — receipts for the editorial claim

● UPSTREAM Up · HTTP 200 · 61ms · checked 2h ago
○ ONION No .onion mirror listed
✎ MANUAL Last manual verification 2026-05-12 (<180d)
⌕ LOG See curator log for OpenRouter

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