2026 has been an explosive year for AI models. GPT-5.2 arrived with 400K context, Gemini 3 pushed to 1M tokens, and DeepSeek V3.2 is challenging frontier models at a fraction of the cost. Compare 400+ models, find free alternatives, and learn cost-saving strategies.

Choosing the right AI model doesn't have to break the bank. With over 30 models available on OpenRouter, you can find the perfect balance between performance and cost for your project. Some models cost 1000x more than others – but that doesn't always mean they're 1000x better for your use case.