Quick Summary
Anthropic
Creator of Claude AI models with advanced reasoning capabilities
- 200K context window
- Image understanding
- Tool/function calling
OpenRouter
Unified API gateway to multiple AI providers
- Access to 100+ models
- Unified billing
- Model comparison
Model Comparison
| Aspect | Anthropic | OpenRouter |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 2 | 2 |
| Default Model | Claude Sonnet 4 | Claude Sonnet 4 (via OpenRouter) |
| Max Context Window | 200K tokens | 200K tokens |
| Image Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
Anthropic
api_key
Standard API key authentication
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY oauth
OAuth for Claude subscriptions
OpenRouter
api_key
OpenRouter API key
OPENROUTER_API_KEY Pros & Cons
Anthropic
Pros
- Excellent at following complex instructions
- Strong reasoning and coding abilities
- Large context window
- Good safety alignment
Cons
- Higher cost than some alternatives
- Rate limits on free tier
- No fine-tuning available
OpenRouter
Pros
- Single API for multiple providers
- Easy model switching
- Unified billing
- Good for experimentation
Cons
- Additional latency
- Markup on base prices
- Dependent on third party
Best Use Cases
Choose Anthropic if you need:
- Complex coding tasks
- Document analysis
- Creative writing
- Research assistance
Choose OpenRouter if you need:
- Model comparison
- Fallback strategies
- Multi-provider setups
- Experimentation
Use with Messaging Channels
Both providers work with all OpenClaw messaging channels:
Telegram
Discord
Slack
Signal
iMessage
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Anthropic or OpenRouter?
It depends on your use case. Anthropic excels at complex coding tasks, while OpenRouter is best for model comparison. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both Anthropic and OpenRouter with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure Anthropic as your primary and OpenRouter as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, Anthropic or OpenRouter?
Anthropic uses undefined pricing, while OpenRouter uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.