AI API

LiteLLM

LiteLLM is an AI gateway for accessing 100+ LLMs with OpenAI-compatible APIs, fallbacks, and spend tracking.

What is LiteLLM?

LiteLLM is an AI gateway and proxy platform that provides OpenAI-compatible access to 100+ language models, with routing, fallbacks, spending visibility, and enterprise controls for teams and applications.

LiteLLM vs Similar AI Tools

Pricing ModelFree, Custom PricingFree, FreemiumFree, Free Trial, Custom PricingFree, Freemium
Free Credits
Key Features
  • OpenAI-compatible API access
  • 100+ LLM provider integrations
  • Fallback routing across models
  • Deadline-aware cost optimization for LLM requests
  • Supports OpenAI, Anthropic, and Gemini models
  • No changes to your request - same model and parameters
  • 5-minute setup
  • Completely self-serve, no sales calls
  • MCP server for out-of-the-box integration
  • Usage metering
  • Flexible pricing models (usage, credits, outcomes, hybrid)
  • Margin tracking per customer
Pros
  • Supports 100+ LLMs and major providers
  • OpenAI-compatible format simplifies integration
  • Significant cost reduction (claimed 47% average)
  • No changes to your existing code or client
  • Fast 5-minute setup and self-serve onboarding
  • MCP server enables immediate agent integration
  • AI-native billing infrastructure
  • Supports multiple pricing models
Cons
  • Advanced enterprise features may require paid plans
  • Best fit for teams already using multiple LLM providers
  • Added latency for flex requests (about 16% more time to first token)
  • Cost savings only apply to flex-capable models
  • Pricing details not publicly listed
  • Requires technical integration for custom implementations
  • Limited public pricing transparency
  • Primarily focused on AI companies
Best For
  • Developers building apps with multiple model providers
  • Teams needing centralized LLM access and cost control
  • Developers running high-volume LLM inference
  • Teams looking to reduce AI costs without switching models
  • AI agent developers
  • Agent-first startups
  • AI startups
  • SaaS companies with usage-based billing

How to use LiteLLM?

  1. 1Set up LiteLLM as your model gateway or proxy.
  2. 2Connect supported providers such as OpenAI, Azure, Anthropic, Bedrock, or Gemini.
  3. 3Use the OpenAI-compatible API format in your app to send requests through LiteLLM.
  4. 4Configure fallbacks, load balancing, budgets, and rate limits as needed.
  5. 5Review usage, spend, and logs to monitor model performance and costs.

LiteLLM Key Features

  • OpenAI-compatible API access
  • 100+ LLM provider integrations
  • Fallback routing across models
  • Spend tracking and usage visibility
  • Virtual keys, budgets, and teams
  • Load balancing and RPM/TPM limits
  • Logging integrations including Langfuse, Arize Phoenix, LangSmith, and OTEL
  • LLM guardrails
  • Enterprise features like JWT auth, SSO, and audit logs

LiteLLM Use Cases

  • Routing requests across multiple LLM providers
  • Adding fallback models to improve reliability
  • Tracking LLM spend across teams and projects
  • Managing budgets and access for developer groups
  • Self-hosting or deploying a cloud gateway for enterprise use
  • Standardizing multiple model APIs behind one OpenAI-style interface

LiteLLM Pricing & Free Credits

LiteLLM currently operates on a Free, Custom Pricing model.

Free Tier

Open Source

Free

Core LiteLLM features available at no cost.

Paid Plans

Cloud / Enterprise

Contact for Pricing

Hosted or enterprise deployments with support, SLAs, and advanced controls.

Open Source

Free

Core LiteLLM features available at no cost.

Cloud / Enterprise

Contact for Pricing

Hosted or enterprise deployments with support, SLAs, and advanced controls.

LiteLLM Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Supports 100+ LLMs and major providers
  • OpenAI-compatible format simplifies integration
  • Includes fallbacks, routing, and spend tracking
  • Works for both self-hosted and cloud deployments
  • Offers enterprise features for larger teams

Cons

  • Advanced enterprise features may require paid plans
  • Best fit for teams already using multiple LLM providers
  • Pricing details are not fully listed on the homepage

What is LiteLLM best for?

  • Developers building apps with multiple model providers
  • Teams needing centralized LLM access and cost control
  • Companies that want OpenAI-compatible routing and fallbacks
  • Organizations planning self-hosted or enterprise gateway deployments

LiteLLM FAQ

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