Compare Three Free Models on OpenRouter Side by Side

Why this works

Model quality varies by task. OpenRouter lists some models with a :free suffix. Its documentation says these free variants may have different rate limits or availability than paid versions, so you should check the model page before relying on one.

Step by step

1. Create a free OpenRouter accountSign up and create an API key, or use the web chat interface if you prefer.
2. Find free variantsBrowse the models page and filter for models whose ID ends in :free. Note each model's context length.
3. Use the same prompt for allPaste one test prompt, identical for every model. Keep a copy of each answer.
4. Score blindShuffle the answers, label them A, B, C, and rank them before you check which model is which.
5. Record the winner for each task typeKeep a short table: task, best model, why. Re-check it in a month, since free availability changes.

Copy-paste prompt

Answer the question below in under 200 words. Be accurate, say so if you are unsure, and avoid filler.

QUESTION:
<your everyday question, e.g. 'How do I explain compound interest to a 12-year-old?'>

Check your result

• Each model ID you used ends in :free
• Same prompt, same settings for every model
• Rankings were made before you saw the model names

Pitfalls to avoid

• Free variants can be rate-limited at busy times; retry later rather than switching models.
• Do not send personal or confidential data to any cloud model without reading the provider's terms.