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

ProviderModelsChinese AISmart RoutingFree Tier
AIPower1610 modelsYes (6 modes)100 calls
OpenRouter100+NoneNoNo
Together AI50+LimitedNo$25 credit
Fireworks AI30+NoneNo$1 credit
Groq10+NoneNoFree (rate limited)
OpenAI (direct)5-6NoneNoNone

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

  1. Sign up — email only, 10 free trial calls, no card
  2. Copy your API key from the dashboard
  3. Change base_url in 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)

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