Overview & plans (Gateway vs BYOK)
Steinkauz offers two main ways to use AI models: Gateway plans (with included inference budget) and BYOK (Bring Your Own Key). This page gives a high-level comparison; the linked pages go into detail.
Gateway plans
With a Gateway plan, you can use the Gateway. Steinkauz routes your requests to AI providers; you do not need to create or manage API keys. Your plan includes an inference budget that renews monthly.
Included: Access to a wide set of models, provider ordering and restriction, and optional zero data retention. Configuration is described in Gateway Provider Configuration. All BYOK functionality is also included in all Gateway plans.
See Gateway Plans for more.
BYOK (Bring Your Own Key)
With BYOK, you add your own API keys for the providers you want to use. You pay those providers directly; Steinkauz does not bill you for inference. This suits users who already have provider accounts and want maximum control and data sovereignty.
Included: You choose which supported providers to enable and configure them in BYOK Provider Configuration. You can also set security classifications per provider.
See BYOK for more.
Quick comparison
| Gateway plans | BYOK | |
|---|---|---|
| API keys | Not required | You supply your own |
| Billing for inference | Via your Steinkauz plan | Directly with each provider |
| Provider/config control | Order, restriction, ZDR in settings | Per-provider keys and security classification |
| Configuration guide | Gateway Provider Configuration | BYOK Provider Configuration |
Choose the plan that matches how you want to access models and manage cost and control.