BYOK Chat for OpenRouter
A Chrome extension for chatting with models on OpenRouter using your own API key. Pick models, switch roles, and pull in the page you are on.
Welcome
Thanks for installing BYOK Chat for OpenRouter.
This page is the home for the extension: what it does, how to get started, and why it exists. Your API key stays on your side (BYOK); OpenRouter bills you for usage only.
New here? Jump to how to use — it only takes a minute.
How to use it
- Open the extension Click the BYOK Chat icon in the toolbar. If you do not see it, open the puzzle menu in Chrome and pin the extension.
- Add your OpenRouter API key Open settings (gear), paste your key from openrouter.ai/keys, and save. Without a key the extension cannot call models.
- Pick a model Use the model menu to choose an OpenRouter model. Star the ones you like — they appear in the quick switcher. Pricing per 1M tokens is shown next to the picker.
- Optional: choose a role Pick a preset (for example General chat or Page Assistant) or edit roles in settings. Changing role clears the current thread so each preset starts fresh.
- Optional: use the page you are on When it fits your workflow, include the active tab’s content so answers match what you are reading.
- Chat and history Type your message and send. Use Start new chat for a clean thread or open Chat history when you want an older conversation.
Why I built it
I use OpenRouter a lot and got tired of yet another chat subscription. I wanted one simple tool in the browser and to pay only for what I use - straight from my OpenRouter account - instead of a flat monthly fee. I built this extension myself; it is free to use. You bring your key; usage and billing stay between you and OpenRouter.
What you get
The extension costs nothing — features below are included.
- Light mode Comfortable default UI with a clear light theme.
- Models and pricing Choose from OpenRouter models (for example Google Gemini 2.0 Flash Lite). See input and output cost per 1M tokens next to the picker.
- Quick Model Switcher Star models in the menu; only starred models show in the quick switcher for fast changes.
- Roles Presets such as General chat, Data Scraper, Page Assistant, and Briefing Agent. Switching role starts a fresh thread. Edit custom roles in settings.
- Page content Use the current tab as context so answers match what you are looking at.
- Chat history Start new chats or continue from the history panel when you need to.
BYOK means you bring your OpenRouter API key; billing and limits follow your OpenRouter account.