OpenAI-compatible DeepSeek API Gateway. Per-key budget, usage tracking, no surprise bills.
| Direct DeepSeek | OpenRouter | ModelRelay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Official provider. Payment availability may vary by region. | Crypto, credit card, Apple Pay | PayPal |
| OpenAI-compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Registration | Official registration required. May not be available in all regions. | Email signup, easy registration | No account needed — buy and get key |
| Key delivery | Via official console after registration | Instant after adding credits | Instant after PayPal payment |
| Per-key budget limit | No per-key budget — pay-as-you-go risk | Credit-based, pay as you go | Fixed budget — cannot overspend |
| Usage dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes — per-key real-time tracking |
| Focus | Official DeepSeek platform with all products | Model marketplace with 200+ options | Simple DeepSeek gateway — one endpoint, one goal |
| Best for | Users who can register and top up on the official platform | Developers who need access to many different models | Developers who want simple DeepSeek access via PayPal |
ModelRelay is a small independent gateway focused on one thing: making DeepSeek API accessible through PayPal with fixed budgets. No account system. No complexity. Buy a key, use it until the budget runs out, buy another. Direct DeepSeek and OpenRouter are excellent services — we are simply a different option for those who prefer PayPal checkout and per-key budget isolation.