Guide
OpenAI SDK Compatible API Providers 2026: Complete List
April 16, 2026 · 6 min read
The OpenAI SDK has become the de facto standard for AI API integration. But you're not limited to OpenAI's models. Several providers now offer OpenAI-compatible APIs, letting you switch models without changing your code. Here's the complete list for 2026.
Why OpenAI SDK Compatibility Matters
- Zero migration cost: Change the base URL and API key, keep everything else
- Ecosystem support: LangChain, LlamaIndex, AutoGen all use OpenAI SDK
- Familiar interface:
chat.completions.create()works everywhere - No lock-in: Switch providers in seconds
OpenAI-Compatible Providers
| Provider | Models | Chinese AI | Smart Routing | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIPower | 16 | 10 models | Yes (6 modes) | 100 calls |
| OpenRouter | 100+ | None | No | No |
| Together AI | 50+ | Limited | No | $25 credit |
| Fireworks AI | 30+ | None | No | $1 credit |
| Groq | 10+ | None | No | Free (rate limited) |
| OpenAI (direct) | 5-6 | None | No | None |
How to Use Any Provider with OpenAI SDK
from openai import OpenAI
# Just change base_url and api_key — that's it
providers = {
"aipower": ("https://api.aipower.me/v1", "your-aipower-key"),
"openrouter": ("https://openrouter.ai/api/v1", "your-openrouter-key"),
"together": ("https://api.together.xyz/v1", "your-together-key"),
"openai": ("https://api.openai.com/v1", "your-openai-key"),
}
base_url, api_key = providers["aipower"]
client = OpenAI(base_url=base_url, api_key=api_key)
# This exact code works with ALL providers above
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="deepseek/deepseek-chat", # Model naming varies by provider
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}],
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)Key Differences
AIPower vs OpenRouter
- AIPower has 10 Chinese AI models (DeepSeek, Qwen, GLM, Kimi, Doubao) — OpenRouter has none
- AIPower has smart routing (auto, auto-cheap, auto-best) — OpenRouter doesn't
- AIPower supports WeChat Pay — OpenRouter doesn't
- OpenRouter has more total models (100+) but most are niche or redundant
AIPower vs Together AI
- Together focuses on open-source model hosting
- AIPower bridges Chinese + Western proprietary models
- Together has GPU inference for custom models
Choosing the Right Provider
- Need Chinese AI models: AIPower is the only option with full Chinese model coverage
- Need maximum model variety: OpenRouter has the most models
- Need open-source hosting: Together AI or Fireworks
- Need fastest inference: Groq (specialized hardware)
- Need smart routing: AIPower is the only one with built-in auto-routing
Try AIPower at aipower.me — the only OpenAI-compatible gateway with Chinese AI models, smart routing, and WeChat Pay. 10 free API calls included.
GET STARTED WITH AIPOWER
16 AI models. One API. OpenAI SDK compatible.
Who should use AIPower?
- • Developers needing both Chinese and Western AI models
- • Chinese teams that can't access OpenAI / Anthropic directly
- • Startups wanting multi-model redundancy through one API
- • Anyone tired of paying grey-market intermediary premiums
3 steps to first API call
- Sign up — email only, 10 free trial calls, no card
- Copy your API key from the dashboard
- Change
base_urlin your OpenAI SDK → done
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(
base_url="https://api.aipower.me/v1", # ← only change
api_key="sk-your-aipower-key",
)
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="auto-cheap", # or anthropic/claude-opus, deepseek/deepseek-chat, openai/gpt-5, etc.
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}],
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)+100 bonus calls on first $5 top-up · WeChat Pay + Alipay + card accepted · docs · security