Inference provider · Inference gateway
OrcaRouter
OrcaRouter is an Inference gateway in the 2026 agents.dancingteeth catalog. OpenAI-compatible multi-model BYOK with adaptive routing, failover, and governance when you want claimed $0 token markup and `orcarouter/auto` instead of OpenRouter-style catalog markup.
Last updated
Verified
Best for
OpenAI-compatible multi-model BYOK with adaptive routing, failover, and governance when you want claimed $0 token markup and `orcarouter/auto` instead of OpenRouter-style catalog markup.
Skip if
You need the most battle-tested aggregator (OpenRouter), prefer Nexos org Workspace, or you meant Orca ADE (desktop orchestrator) — different product.
Who it fits
- OpenAI-compatible multi-model BYOK with adaptive routing, failover, and governance when you want claimed $0 token markup and `orcarouter/auto` instead of OpenRouter-style catalog markup.
- Builders who start in the browser without a local IDE setup
Pros
OpenAI-compatible multi-provider gateway (200+ models) with adaptive `orcarouter/auto` routing, mid-stream failover, guardrails/agent firewall, prompt versioning, and claimed $0 token markup — free Hacker tier for routing; drop-in for Cursor/Claude Code/Cline/Aider.
Cons
Younger than OpenRouter — verify RouterArena/uptime claims and real pass-through receipts; Team seats (~$499/mo) are enterprise-priced; governance features can feel heavier than a thin BYOK key; not the Orca ADE desktop orchestrator.
Facts
- Locality:
- Cloud-native
- Surfaces:
- Web
- Maturity:
- Experimental
- BYOK:
- Bring your own API key
- Free tier:
- Free option available
- Verified:
- Aug 2026
Agent standards & memory
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Frequently asked questions
What is OrcaRouter?
- OrcaRouter is an Inference gateway covered in the agents.dancingteeth 2026 catalog. OpenAI-compatible multi-provider gateway (200+ models) with adaptive `orcarouter/auto` routing, mid-stream failover, guardrails/agent firewall, prompt versioning, and claimed $0 token markup — free Hacker tier for routing; drop-in for Cursor/Claude Code/Cline/Aider.
Who is OrcaRouter best for?
- OpenAI-compatible multi-model BYOK with adaptive routing, failover, and governance when you want claimed $0 token markup and `orcarouter/auto` instead of OpenRouter-style catalog markup.
When should I skip OrcaRouter?
- You need the most battle-tested aggregator (OpenRouter), prefer Nexos org Workspace, or you meant Orca ADE (desktop orchestrator) — different product.
What are the main trade-offs of OrcaRouter?
- Pros: OpenAI-compatible multi-provider gateway (200+ models) with adaptive `orcarouter/auto` routing, mid-stream failover, guardrails/agent firewall, prompt versioning, and claimed $0 token markup — free Hacker tier for routing; drop-in for Cursor/Claude Code/Cline/Aider. Cons: Younger than OpenRouter — verify RouterArena/uptime claims and real pass-through receipts; Team seats (~$499/mo) are enterprise-priced; governance features can feel heavier than a thin BYOK key; not the Orca ADE desktop orchestrator.
Does OrcaRouter support AGENTS.md, SKILL.md, or MCP?
- This card lists AGENTS.md as N/A, SKILL.md as N/A, and rules/memory as Single OrcaRouter API key; OpenAI-compatible base URL `api.orcarouter.ai/v1`; optional routing.yaml.. Free options: Hacker free forever (routing + basic observe/manage, 0% token markup); Team ~$499/mo; Enterprise custom..
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