Free Tier · verified Sep 4, 2026
OpenRouter: Free-model router and zero-cost model variants
OpenRouter publishes a `openrouter/free` router that automatically picks a random free model from those matching the request's capabilities, giving zero-cost inference with one model string.
PrototypingModel TestingOpenAI-compatible
What you actually get
- Eligibility
- Any OpenRouter account holder with an API key; no payment required for free router traffic
- Rate and usage limits
- The free-model cap is account-wide. OpenRouter's limit page is authoritative because caps can change with account credit history.
- Models
- openrouter/free, Models ending in :free
- Card requirement
- no
- Regions
- Global
- After the free allowance
- Wait for the daily reset, purchase credits to change account limits, or use paid models.
- Data and privacy catch
- Provider routing and data policies differ by model; use OpenRouter's provider controls for privacy-sensitive workloads.