AutoRouter and claude-code-router
claude-code-router is an open-source router that you run yourself, with a desktop app, a command line tool and Docker. AutoRouter is a Mac app with a model picker and a built-in rule set.
| AutoRouter A Mac app for Codex and Claude Code. $0/mo on your plans Download | claude-code-router An open-source router you run yourself. $0open source | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 on your plans, Pro $20 a month | Open source, no price listed |
| Fee on tokens | Provider’s price plus 10% | None, you pay your providers |
| Runs on | Your Mac, in Codex and Claude Code | Your machine |
| Setup | Install, then immediately available in your current harness | npm, desktop app or Docker |
| Model choice | Picked for each turn, by your rules | Your rules, with fallback models |
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Sources checked October 30, 2026: claude-code-router, GitHub and AutoRouter, Pricing. See every comparison.
Questions
The detail behind each fact, and how to choose.
Who is claude-code-router for, and who is AutoRouter for?
claude-code-router suits people who want to run and tune their own routing on their own machine. AutoRouter suits people who want a Mac app with a built-in rule set, a model picker and a record of each turn, with nothing to host.
What does claude-code-router cost?
The project is open source. Its README lists no price of its own, so model costs come from the providers whose keys you add.
How do you set up claude-code-router?
Install the npm package, run the desktop app, or use Docker. It starts a local gateway on port 3456 and a management UI on port 3458.
How does claude-code-router choose models?
Routing rules with conditions, retries and an ordered list of fallback models. It supports Claude Code, Codex and OpenCode, among others.
How do I move over from claude-code-router?
AutoRouter's rules are written in plain English inside the app, and each turn shows the model it used and what it cost. Your existing setup can stay in place while you try AutoRouter in the model picker.
What does AutoRouter cost?
Routing across your ChatGPT and Claude plans is free. Pro is $20 a month with $20 of usage, and paid models bill at the provider’s price plus 10%. See pricing, or estimate a month with and without AutoRouter in the savings calculator.
