AutoMode vs Claude Code Router
Claude Code Router connects coding agents to other model providers. AutoMode picks the Claude model and effort for each prompt. Here is which one you need.
They solve different problems. Claude Code Router is a local app that connects Claude Code and other coding agents to the model providers you choose, then routes and fails over between them. AutoMode is a Claude Code plugin that picks which Claude model and effort to use for each prompt, on your existing Claude login. Pick Claude Code Router to reach non-Anthropic models. Pick AutoMode to spend less on Claude models.
The difference at a glance
| Feature | AutoMode | Claude Code Router |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A Claude Code plugin (mod) | A local app between agents and providers |
| Main job | Pick the Claude model and effort per prompt | Route requests across providers and models |
| Models | Haiku, Sonnet and Opus | The providers you connect |
| Agents | Claude Code | Claude Code, Codex and other coding agents |
| Credentials | Your Claude login, nothing else | Keys for the providers you choose |
| Risk floor and review | Yes | Not described |
| Measured cost result | 51% less than Claude Code on Opus, same pass rate | None found |
Claude Code Router facts come from its README, read on 2026-10-31.
Why do the names get confused?
Both "route" models for Claude Code. Claude Code Router routes between providers. AutoMode routes between Claude models, inside Claude Code, prompt by prompt. Several smaller projects also use "claude-router" in their names. See them compared.
Can I use both?
We have not tested them together, so we make no claim. AutoMode chooses Claude model IDs, and Claude Code Router changes where requests go, so the two could conflict.
Install AutoMode
Paste these into Claude Code, one at a time, then run /reload-plugins. It is free, needs no key and no server, and starts on its own.
/plugin marketplace add mralexivy/AutoMode
/plugin install automode@automodeLast updated on
AutoMode vs effortless
AutoMode and effortless both route effort in Claude Code. In the same five sessions, AutoMode cost $2.01 and effortless $3.87, both passing 20 of 20.
AutoMode vs Claude Code auto mode
Claude Code auto mode is a built-in permission mode. AutoMode is a free plugin that picks the model and effort for each prompt. Here is how they differ.