Quick Summary
OpenRouter
Unified API gateway to multiple AI providers
- Access to 100+ models
- Unified billing
- Model comparison
Ollama
Run open-source LLMs locally with no API costs
- Completely local
- No API costs
- Privacy-focused
Model Comparison
| Aspect | OpenRouter | Ollama |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 2 | 3 |
| Default Model | Claude Sonnet 4 (via OpenRouter) | Llama 3.3 |
| Max Context Window | 200K tokens | 128K tokens |
| Image Support | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
OpenRouter
api_key
OpenRouter API key
OPENROUTER_API_KEY Ollama
none
No authentication required for local instance
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
Ollama
Pros
- No API costs
- Full data privacy
- Works offline
- No rate limits
Cons
- Requires capable hardware
- Slower than cloud APIs
- Less capable than frontier models
Best Use Cases
Choose OpenRouter if you need:
- Model comparison
- Fallback strategies
- Multi-provider setups
- Experimentation
Choose Ollama if you need:
- Privacy-sensitive applications
- Offline use
- Cost-conscious deployments
- Development and testing
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 Ollama?
It depends on your use case. OpenRouter excels at model comparison, while Ollama is best for privacy-sensitive applications. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both OpenRouter and Ollama with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure OpenRouter as your primary and Ollama as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, OpenRouter or Ollama?
OpenRouter uses undefined pricing, while Ollama uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.