Managed AI gateway vs self-hosted proxy

The right choice depends on whether your priority is operational control or a shorter path to a reliable multi-model integration. Compare the responsibilities, not only the monthly price.

Choose self-hosting when control dominates

Self-hosting can fit teams that need custom networking, private infrastructure, or complete control over routing and data handling, and that can operate monitoring, upgrades, and incident response.

Choose managed routing when time matters

A managed service can reduce integration and maintenance work when you need several providers, a shared API shape, usage accounting, and a support channel.

Compare hidden operational work

Include health checks, failover, key rotation, rate limiting, dashboards, alerts, backups, upgrades, and incident response in the self-hosted cost calculation.

Keep an exit path

Use standard request formats, document model mappings, export usage records, and avoid coupling your application to undocumented gateway behavior.