OpenRouter vs TokenPAPA: Which Should Overseas Developers Choose?
OpenRouter is the biggest name in API aggregation. TokenPAPA is the specialist in Chinese model access. Same category, different strengths.
If you're an overseas developer trying to use DeepSeek, Qwen, MiniMax or Kimi, this comparison tells you which one to pick — and why "bigger" isn't automatically "better."
Head-to-Head
| Dimension | OpenRouter | TokenPAPA |
|---|---|---|
| Model coverage | 300+ models, broad | 30+ models, Chinese-first |
| DeepSeek V4 Flash | $0.14/1M in ✅ | $0.14/1M in ✅ |
| Chinese model depth | Partial (delayed updates) | Full lineup (DeepSeek, Qwen, MiniMax, Kimi, GLM, Mimo) |
| MiniMax M3 | Limited | ✅ Native |
| Signup | Email + payment card | Email only — no Chinese phone, no ID |
| Free credit | Limited trial | $1 free credit |
| Payment | Cards, crypto | Cards + WeChat/Alipay-friendly methods |
| OpenAI-compatible | ✅ | ✅ |
Where OpenRouter Wins
- Breadth — 300+ models across every provider. If you need an obscure model, OpenRouter likely has it.
- Ecosystem maturity — longer track record, more community tutorials.
- Routing features — fallback routing and per-request provider selection are polished.
Where TokenPAPA Wins
- Chinese model depth — this is the differentiator. DeepSeek V4, Qwen 3.7, MiniMax M3, Kimi K3, GLM-5 — the full Chinese lineup, updated fast.
- Access for overseas devs — email signup, no Chinese phone number, no ID verification. The exact pain points DeepSeek's official platform has.
- Price transparency — DeepSeek V4 Flash at $0.14/1M input, $1 free credit to test.
- One key, zero friction — OpenAI-compatible endpoint, one-line switch between models.
The Cost Check
Same workload: 100K requests/month, ~1.5K tokens each.
| Workload | OpenRouter | TokenPAPA |
|---|---|---|
| DeepSeek V4 Flash | ~$52/mo | ~$52/mo |
| Chinese model mix (DeepSeek + Qwen + MiniMax) | More complex, pricier | ~$60/mo flat, all native |
For pure Chinese-model workloads, TokenPAPA is at parity on price and ahead on coverage. For a mix that includes Western models, OpenRouter's breadth matters more.
The Verdict
| Your scenario | Pick |
|---|---|
| Chinese models only (DeepSeek/Qwen/MiniMax/Kimi) | TokenPAPA — deeper coverage, easier signup |
| Broad multi-provider mix, Western-first | OpenRouter |
| Building for overseas users on Chinese LLMs | TokenPAPA — the whole point of the platform |
| Need obscure niche models | OpenRouter |
Bottom line: OpenRouter is the generalist; TokenPAPA is the specialist. If your stack is built on Chinese LLMs — which is increasingly the cost-savvy choice in 2026 — TokenPAPA gives you the full lineup, $1 free credit, and none of the signup pain.
FAQ
Q: Is TokenPAPA better than OpenRouter?
A: It depends. TokenPAPA wins for Chinese model access with $1 free credit and no phone verification; OpenRouter has broader overall coverage.
Q: Can I access DeepSeek on both?
A: Yes. TokenPAPA is built around Chinese models — DeepSeek V4, Qwen 3.7, MiniMax M3, Kimi K3 at $0.14/1M for V4 Flash.
Q: Which is cheaper?
A: For Chinese models, TokenPAPA matches or beats OpenRouter — DeepSeek V4 Flash at $0.14/1M plus $1 free credit.
Q: Does TokenPAPA work with the OpenAI SDK?
A: Yes — OpenAI-compatible, one-line base_url change.
Get Started
- Sign up at tokenpapa.ai — get $1 free credit
- Create your API key — email only, no Chinese phone
- Call the full Chinese lineup — DeepSeek, Qwen, MiniMax, Kimi, one key
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(base_url="https://tokenpapa.ai/v1", api_key="your-key")
resp = client.chat.completions.create(
model="deepseek-v4-flash", # or qwen-3.7, minimax-m3, kimi-k3
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
)
print(resp.choices[0].message.content)
Originally published at https://doc.tokenpapa.ai/en/docs/blog/openrouter-vs-tokenpapa.
