WanAPI vs OpenAI (direct)
One first-party provider, versus one key for many providers with failover.
WanAPI
WanAPI is a cost-efficient, OpenAI-compatible gateway for developers who want frontier text, coding, image and video models on one balance — with automatic failover, transparent pay-as-you-go pricing and direct founder support.
OpenAI (direct)
Using OpenAI directly gives you first-party GPT access, official SLAs and enterprise features — but only OpenAI's own models.
platform.openai.comSide by side
| Dimension | WanAPI | OpenAI (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Model coverage | GPT + Claude + Gemini + DeepSeek + more | OpenAI models only |
| Failover | Automatic across upstreams | Single provider — no fallback |
| Migration | Change one line: base_url | — you're already on it |
| Media (image/video) | Many models on one balance | OpenAI's own only |
| SLA / enterprise | Indie-grade; founder support | Official SLAs, enterprise contracts |
When to choose OpenAI (direct) instead
- You only need OpenAI's models and want the first-party relationship.
- You need official SLAs, enterprise contracts or compliance from OpenAI.
When WanAPI fits better
- You want GPT plus Claude, Gemini and others behind one key.
- You want automatic failover when one upstream degrades.
- You want image/video APIs and lower, pay-as-you-go cost.
Switch in minutes
Keep your OpenAI SDK — point base_url to https://api.wanapis.com/v1 and get free trial credit on sign-up.