Best free coding models on OpenRouter

Free

Want a coding model that costs $0? OpenRouter serves several capable coding models for free (rate limits apply). These are the best free coding models on OpenRouter, ranked on real agentic-coding ability, from quick edits to full agent runs.

The best free coding model on OpenRouter is Kimi K2.6, the strongest free open-weight agentic coder right now at 47.6% on CursorBench 3.1, for $0 per token (rate limits apply).

For large repositories, Qwen3 Coder 480B is the free specialist with a 1M token context window. Poolside's Laguna M.1 is free while in preview, and OpenAI's gpt-oss-120b is a dependable free generalist. Every model here runs at $0 on OpenRouter.

We also have more in-depth rankings:Best free models on OpenRouter
The ranking
Updated June 2026
  • 1MoonshotAI
    Kimi K2.6Moonshot AIThe strongest free open-weight agentic coder right now (47.6% on CursorBench).
    Context262K
    InputFree
  • 2Qwen
    Qwen3 Coder 480B A35BQwenOpen-weight coding specialist with a 1M context window for big repositories.
    Context1.049M
    InputFree
  • 3L
    Laguna M.1PoolsidePoolside's flagship coding agent model, free while in preview.
    Context262K
    InputFree
  • 4OpenAI
    gpt-oss-120bOpenAIOpenAI's open-weight model, a solid free generalist for everyday code.
    Context131K
    InputFree
  • 5N
    Nex-N2-ProNex AgiFree agentic MoE with open weights, built for skill use and workflows.
    Context262K
    InputFree
  • 6L
    Laguna XS.2PoolsidePoolside's smaller open-weight model: fast and free for routine edits.
    Context262K
    InputFree
  • 7Nvidia
    Nemotron 3 SuperNvidiaNvidia's open-weight model with a 1M context window, free for large codebases.
    Context1M
    InputFree

Why are some models with an input or output price, like Kimi K2.6, shown as free? OpenRouter publishes a separate $0 endpoint for several paid models. Kimi K2.6, for example, is free to call at openrouter.ai/moonshotai/kimi-k2.6:free (rate limits apply).

Frequently asked questions
What is the best free coding model on OpenRouter?

Kimi K2.6 is the best free coding model on OpenRouter, the strongest free open-weight agentic coder at 47.6% on CursorBench 3.1, at $0 per token. For large repositories, Qwen3 Coder 480B brings a 1M token context window, and Poolside's Laguna M.1 is free while in preview.

What is the best free model on OpenRouter for coding agents?

For agentic coding, where the model plans and uses tools across many steps, Kimi K2.6 is the top free pick, followed by Nex-N2-Pro, a free agentic MoE built for skill use and workflows. Both run at $0 on OpenRouter. Long multi-step tool chains are where free models slip most, so test your workflow before depending on it.

What is the best free model on OpenRouter for OpenClaw?

OpenClaw rewards reliable skill use and long sessions, so Kimi K2.6 is the best free pick: a strong open-weight agentic coder at $0. Nex-N2-Pro is a good free alternative built for workflows. For always-on use without rate limits, self-host an open-weight model instead, since OpenClaw runs continuously.

Are free coding models good enough for real work?

For quick edits, prototypes, and single-step tasks, yes: the models here handle real code at $0. The limits show up in long agentic runs and rate caps, and stealth or preview models can change without notice. For always-on or production coding, a cheap paid model or a self-hosted open-weight model is more dependable.

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  • Updated

    June 2026