Why not use OpenRouter BYOK?

OpenRouter is a fantastic platform for LLM routing, and their Bring-Your-Own-Key feature is great if you want managed infrastructure. However, it is fundamentally a server-side proxy.

Use byok-vault instead of OpenRouter BYOK if you are building a local-first application and need:

1. Zero Onboarding Friction: OpenRouter BYOK requires your users to leave your app, create an OpenRouter account, paste their OpenAI/Anthropic key into OpenRouter's dashboard, generate a new proxy key, and paste that back into your app. With byok-vault, users paste their key directly into your app and start working immediately.
2. Zero Middlemen: OpenRouter requires users to store their API keys on OpenRouter's servers, and all API calls are routed through their backend. byok-vault keeps the key strictly inside the user's browser. It never touches a server.
3. Zero Proxy Fees: While OpenRouter offers a generous free tier for BYOK, high-volume apps eventually hit a 5% routing tax just to use their own keys. byok-vault talks directly to the LLM provider: no proxy, no tax.