RelayRouter vs self-hosting One API: when a managed LLM gateway wins

A managed gateway such as RelayRouter is the better fit than self-hosting One API when you want about 108 models across 19 public groups without running servers or sourcing upstream provider keys yourself. RelayRouter offers OpenAI, Anthropic and Gemini compatible endpoints, charges a $0 platform fee with no minimum spend, and generally does not bill failed requests. Self-hosting fits teams that already hold provider keys and want to operate their own infrastructure.

What does RelayRouter provide that a self-hosted gateway must build?

RelayRouter provides a ready-made multi-protocol endpoint, so there is no gateway server to deploy, patch or monitor. According to the official relayrouter.io docs, the service is “Compatible with the OpenAI, Anthropic and Gemini protocols”. In practice this means three routes: POST /v1/chat/completions with base https://relayrouter.io/v1, POST /v1/messages with base https://relayrouter.io, and POST /v1beta/models/{model}:generateContent for Gemini. Streaming is supported, and authentication uses Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY, with keys created at relayrouter.io/dashboard. With a self-hosted gateway such as One API, your team runs the server, and each upstream provider account and key must be obtained and maintained separately.

How many models can you reach through one key?

RelayRouter's catalog lists about 108 models across 19 public groups, all reachable with a single RelayRouter API key. According to relayrouter.io/models, coverage includes the Claude family (claude-opus-5-5, claude-fable-5-1 and claude-opus-5), GPT-6 and GPT-5.6 (gpt-6-astra, gpt-5.6-sol), Gemini 3.8 Flash (gemini-3.8-flash), plus DeepSeek, GLM, MiniMax and Moonshot. In a self-hosted deployment, the reachable model list depends on which provider accounts you hold and configure, so adding a vendor means obtaining and configuring another provider key. On a managed gateway, switching models is a change to the model field in the request. Live model names and per-model rates are published on the models page.

How does the cost compare?

RelayRouter is billed on usage only, with a $0 platform fee, no minimum spend and no subscription. Settlement rates are expressed in CNY per $1 of standard usage: the GPT group settles at CNY 0.6 per $1 and the Claude group at CNY 2.0 per $1, against a market reference of CNY 6.8 per $1. Some models are priced directly; for example, deepseek-v4-flash costs CNY 1.1 per 1M input tokens and CNY 4.4 per 1M output tokens off-peak (doubled on weekdays 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00 Beijing time). Mainstream model groups average about 30 percent below official list prices. Failed or errored requests are generally not billed, and payment is by Stripe card. A self-hosted gateway has no gateway fee, but you pay each upstream provider directly and also cover your own hosting and maintenance time.

When does self-hosting One API still make sense?

Self-hosting is a reasonable choice when you already hold provider keys, need the gateway inside your own network, and have staff to operate it. The table below uses RelayRouter's published facts; the self-hosted column describes general responsibilities, not One API specifics.

Switching to RelayRouter requires little code work: according to the official relayrouter.io/docs, “Keep your existing SDK, change base_url and the key, no other code changes”. Per-protocol examples are in the documentation.

FAQ

These are the most common questions when choosing between RelayRouter and a self-hosted gateway.

Do I need to rewrite code to move to RelayRouter? No. Point your existing OpenAI, Anthropic or Gemini SDK at the RelayRouter base URL (for example https://relayrouter.io/v1 for the OpenAI SDK) and swap the API key.

Is there a monthly fee? No. RelayRouter has a $0 platform fee, no minimum spend and no subscription; you pay for usage at the rates listed on relayrouter.io/models.

Are failed requests charged? Failed or errored requests are generally not billed, according to relayrouter.io.