Key takeaways
- Single API key provides access to 100s of models across all major providers
- No markup on tokens — providers' list prices with budget controls and observability
- Sub-20ms routing latency with automatic fallbacks and load balancing
FAQ
Is Vercel AI Gateway free?
$5/month free credit included. Beyond that, you pay provider list prices for tokens with no markup.
Can I use my own API keys?
Yes, BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) is supported. Route through the gateway for observability while using your own provider keys.
Overview
Vercel AI Gateway is a unified API proxy that provides access to hundreds of AI models through a single endpoint. It simplifies multi-provider deployments with budget controls, observability, automatic fallbacks, and no token markup.[1]
| Quick Reference | |
|---|---|
| Website | vercel.com/ai-gateway |
| Documentation | vercel.com/docs/ai-gateway |
| Availability | All Vercel plans |
Key Features
One Key, Hundreds of Models
Single API key accesses OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, and more. No need to manage separate keys for each provider.[2]
Unified API
Switch between providers and models with minimal code changes. OpenAI-compatible and Anthropic-compatible endpoints available.
Zero Token Markup
Tokens cost exactly what providers charge — no middleman markup. This applies to both Vercel-provided keys and BYOK.[2]
High Reliability
- Automatic retries — Failed requests retry to alternative providers
- Load balancing — Distribute traffic across providers
- Fallbacks — Define backup models if primary is unavailable
Observability
Built-in request traces, token counts, latency metrics, spend tracking, and TTFT (time to first token) in the Vercel dashboard.
BYOK (Bring Your Own Key)
Use your own provider API keys while routing through the gateway for observability and fallback benefits.
Supported Providers
The gateway supports models from:
- OpenAI — GPT-4, GPT-5, o1, o3
- Anthropic — Claude 3.5, Claude 4
- Google — Gemini 2.0, Gemini Pro
- xAI — Grok
- Meta — Llama (via inference providers)
- And more — 100s of models total
SDK Compatibility
Works seamlessly with:
- Vercel AI SDK (native integration)
- OpenAI SDK (compatible endpoint)
- Anthropic SDK (compatible endpoint)
- LiteLLM (proxy support)
- LlamaIndex (integration available)
- cURL / any HTTP client
// Vercel AI SDK example
import { generateText } from 'ai';
const { text } = await generateText({
model: 'anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.5',
prompt: 'What is the capital of France?',
});
Pricing
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free credit | $5/month included |
| Token costs | Provider list price (no markup) |
| Gateway routing | Included |
| BYOK | Supported (pay provider directly) |
Strengths
- Simplicity — One key for all providers
- Cost transparency — No markup on tokens
- Reliability — Automatic fallbacks and retries
- Observability — Built-in tracking in Vercel dashboard
- Low latency — Sub-20ms routing overhead
Cautions
- Vercel-centric — Best experience on Vercel platform
- Limited customization — Less configurable than self-hosted proxies
- Vendor dependency — All traffic routes through Vercel
Competitive Position
| vs Alternative | AI Gateway Advantage | Competitor Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Direct provider APIs | One key, fallbacks, observability | No middleman, full control |
| LiteLLM Proxy | Managed, no infrastructure | Self-hosted, open-source, more config |
| OpenRouter | Vercel integration, no markup | More model variety, specialized routing |
Best fit: Teams using Vercel who want unified multi-provider access without managing infrastructure or paying markup.
Bottom Line
Vercel AI Gateway is the simplest way to access multiple AI providers from a single API. Zero markup pricing is genuinely competitive — you're not paying a premium for the convenience.
For Vercel users, it's an obvious choice. For non-Vercel users, LiteLLM Proxy offers similar functionality with more customization but requires self-hosting.
Research by Ry Walker Research