Pick OpenRouter if
developers who want one router and will read per-model token rows.
Read the OpenRouter pageOpenRouter vs Portkey
Our take
Pick OpenRouter if developers who want one router and will read per-model token rows. Pick Portkey if platform teams who will put a gateway in front of several providers and pay when logs exceed 10k. Skip OpenRouter if people who want a single branded chat seat (ChatGPT) or a local desktop runtime (LM Studio). Skip Portkey if solo builders who only need a request table and a $0 Hobby card (Helicone).
Best for
OpenRouter One key across many models
Portkey Route and observe production LLM calls
Free plan
OpenRouter $0 · 25+ free models; 50 requests/day; 5 workspaces; no card. Free models also 20 rpm
Portkey $0 · for the gateway. Universal API, retries, routing, basic dashboard. Community support
Lowest paid
OpenRouter Not published by the vendor
Portkey Production $49/mo
Runs where
OpenRouter
Portkey Local or hosted
Watch out
OpenRouter Free is 50 requests/day
Portkey Developer drops logs after 10k
Last checked
OpenRouter 2026-10-21 · openrouter.ai/pricing
Portkey 2026-10-22 · portkey.ai/pricing
Which one, then?
Pick Portkey if
platform teams who will put a gateway in front of several providers and pay when logs exceed 10k.
Read the Portkey page