Quick Summary
Google Gemini
Multimodal AI with competitive pricing and speed
- 1M token context window
- Multimodal understanding
- Fast inference
OpenRouter
Unified API gateway to multiple AI providers
- Access to 100+ models
- Unified billing
- Model comparison
Model Comparison
| Aspect | Google Gemini | OpenRouter |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 2 | 2 |
| Default Model | Gemini 2.0 Flash | Claude Sonnet 4 (via OpenRouter) |
| Max Context Window | 1000K tokens | 200K tokens |
| Image Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
Google Gemini
api_key
Google AI API key
GOOGLE_API_KEY oauth
OAuth via Antigravity or Gemini CLI
OpenRouter
api_key
OpenRouter API key
OPENROUTER_API_KEY Pros & Cons
Google Gemini
Pros
- Extremely large context window
- Very cost-effective
- Fast inference speeds
- Good multimodal capabilities
Cons
- Still experimental features
- Less mature ecosystem
- API can change frequently
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 Google Gemini if you need:
- Long document processing
- Cost-sensitive applications
- High-volume inference
- Multimodal tasks
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, Google Gemini or OpenRouter?
It depends on your use case. Google Gemini excels at long document processing, while OpenRouter is best for model comparison. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both Google Gemini and OpenRouter with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure Google Gemini as your primary and OpenRouter as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, Google Gemini or OpenRouter?
Google Gemini uses undefined pricing, while OpenRouter uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.