06 · model-router · 02 systems
Model routers & gatewaysOne API in front of many LLM providers.
Model routers expose a single, usually OpenAI-compatible API and route requests across providers with fallbacks, spend controls, and usage billing. Most BYOK coding agents can point at one.
Systems in this category
OpenRouter
OpenRouter · model-router
OpenRouter is a single API to many LLM providers with routing, fallbacks, and usage billing — widely wired into Aider, Continue, Goose, and OpenHands.
LiteLLM
Community / OSS · model-router
LiteLLM is a self-hostable proxy that normalizes hundreds of LLM APIs behind an OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
Who it's for
Anyone running BYOK agents (Aider, Cline, Continue, Goose, OpenHands) who wants model choice, cost caps, and provider fallback without rewiring each tool.
Tradeoffs
Hosted routers add a hop and a bill; self-hosted proxies add ops. Tool-calling support varies by underlying model.
Frequently asked
What is a model router?
A gateway that accepts LLM API calls and forwards them to one of many providers based on routing rules, with fallbacks and spend controls. OpenRouter is hosted; LiteLLM is a self-hostable proxy.
Who should use a model router?
Anyone running BYOK agents (Aider, Cline, Continue, Goose, OpenHands) who wants model choice, cost caps, and provider fallback without rewiring each tool.
What are the tradeoffs of model routers?
Hosted routers add a hop and a bill; self-hosted proxies add ops. Tool-calling support varies by underlying model.
Which model routers are in the catalog?
2 as of 2026-09-25: OpenRouter (OpenRouter), LiteLLM (Community / OSS).
Do I need a model router to use a coding agent?
No. Vendor agents (Claude Code, Copilot, Cursor) bring their own models. Routers matter when you use BYOK agents and want to switch or mix providers.