What is Claude Code Router

Claude Code Router is a proxy tool that lets you use Claude Code without an Anthropic account by routing requests to alternative AI providers. I use it to access Claude Code's interface while connecting to providers like OpenRouter, DeepSeek, and Ollama for different types of development tasks.

Official Repository: https://github.com/musistudio/claude-code-router

How I Use It

Installation - I install it globally alongside Claude Code:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
npm install -g @musistudio/claude-code-router

Usage - Instead of running regular Claude Code, I use:

ccr code  # Starts Claude Code through the router

Configuration - I create ~/.claude-code-router/config.json to set up my preferred AI providers and routing rules for different task types.

I use Claude Code Router primarily to access Claude Code functionality without needing an Anthropic account, while also optimizing costs by routing different tasks to appropriate models.

Why I Use Claude Code Router

No Anthropic Account Required - The primary value is accessing Claude Code without needing an Anthropic subscription. I can use the familiar Claude Code interface with any supported AI provider.

Multi-Provider Access - I can leverage 8+ different AI providers (OpenRouter, DeepSeek, Ollama, Gemini, VolcEngine, SiliconFlow, etc.) through the same interface.

Dynamic Model Switching - During sessions, I can switch models using /model provider,model_name commands for different types of tasks.

Benefits:

• No Subscription Required: Use Claude Code interface without Anthropic account
• 8+ Supported Providers: OpenRouter, DeepSeek, Ollama, Gemini, VolcEngine, SiliconFlow, ModelScope, DashScope
• Live Model Switching: Change providers mid-session with /model commands
• Context-Based Routing: Automatic model selection for default, background, reasoning, and long-context tasks
• Custom Transformers: Provider-specific request/response handling for compatibility
• Cost Optimization: Route expensive tasks to appropriate models while using cheaper ones for simple operations
• GitHub Actions Support: CI/CD integration with automated model routing
• Flexible Configuration: JSON-based setup with detailed routing rules

I use Claude Code Router primarily to access Claude Code without an Anthropic subscription, while also optimizing costs by routing different tasks to appropriate models. My secondary use case is as a backup solution when Claude servers experience downtime.

Cost Management

Claude Code Router enables strategic model selection based on task complexity and cost requirements, helping optimize AI usage expenses while maintaining development productivity.

Official Repository

For installation, configuration guides, and routing examples, visit the Claude Code Router GitHub Repository.

Access Without Subscription

Use Claude Code's interface with any AI provider - no Anthropic account required. I route different tasks to optimal models for cost efficiency.

See Also: Claude Code Router Add-on|Claude Code Best MCPs|MCP Server Setup