Claude API vs OpenRouter
Claude API Anthropic
Claude models for developers, with tool use, prompt caching, batches and skills; also on AWS, Google Cloud and Azure.
VisitOpenRouter OpenRouter
One API and bill for hundreds of models from every major provider, with fallbacks.
VisitSide by side
| Property | Claude API | OpenRouter |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Product | Product |
| Category | AI models and APIs | AI models and APIs |
| Made by | Anthropic | OpenRouter |
| Pricing | Pay per use | Pay per use |
| Open source | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | API | API |
| Startup | Yes | Yes |
Features
Only Claude API
- reasoning
- coding
- agents
- skills
- mcp
Both
- llm api
Only OpenRouter
- multi-model
- routing
- inference