Quick Summary
OpenRouter
Unified API gateway to multiple AI providers
- Access to 100+ models
- Unified billing
- Model comparison
OpenAI (Standard)
Standard OpenAI API for GPT models
- Standard OpenAI access
- GPT-4o models
- Simple setup
Model Comparison
| Aspect | OpenRouter | OpenAI (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 2 | 2 |
| Default Model | Claude Sonnet 4 (via OpenRouter) | GPT-4o |
| Max Context Window | 200K tokens | 128K tokens |
| Image Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
OpenRouter
api_key
OpenRouter API key
OPENROUTER_API_KEY OpenAI (Standard)
api_key
Standard API key only
OPENAI_API_KEY Pros & Cons
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
OpenAI (Standard)
Pros
- Simple setup
- Well-documented
- Stable API
Cons
- No OAuth support
- Limited to API key auth
Best Use Cases
Choose OpenRouter if you need:
- Model comparison
- Fallback strategies
- Multi-provider setups
- Experimentation
Choose OpenAI (Standard) if you need:
- Simple integrations
- API-key only environments
- Standard chat applications
Use with Messaging Channels
Both providers work with all OpenClaw messaging channels:
Telegram
Discord
Slack
Signal
iMessage
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, OpenRouter or OpenAI (Standard)?
It depends on your use case. OpenRouter excels at model comparison, while OpenAI (Standard) is best for simple integrations. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both OpenRouter and OpenAI (Standard) with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure OpenRouter as your primary and OpenAI (Standard) as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, OpenRouter or OpenAI (Standard)?
OpenRouter uses undefined pricing, while OpenAI (Standard) uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.