9Router

9Router is an open-source AI router for coding tools that connects Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Cline, Copilot, Gemini, OpenCode, OpenClaw, and similar clients to many model providers through a local OpenAI-compatible endpoint. The README describes it as a free AI router and token saver that can use subscription accounts, cheap paid models, and free providers with automatic fallback. It also includes RTK token-saving logic that compresses tool-result content and is advertised by the project as saving roughly 20-40% tokens per request. The basic setup is aimed at developers who live inside AI coding CLIs. Users install the package, run 9router, open a dashboard on localhost, connect providers such as Kiro AI or OpenCode Free, then point their CLI tool at http://localhost:20128/v1 with the dashboard API key and selected model. Behind that endpoint, 9Router can translate between OpenAI and Claude-style formats, track quota, refresh tokens, route across providers, and fall back when a subscription or provider limit is exhausted. 9Router is most useful when a developer has several AI subscriptions, local accounts, or model providers and wants one control plane for them. Instead of manually changing endpoints whenever a quota runs out, the router can try a subscription tier first, then move to cheaper or free options. It is also relevant for teams that want to standardize how coding agents access models without rewriting each client configuration. The token-saving layer is especially practical for agent workflows where commands like git diff, grep, ls, test output, and build logs can burn context quickly. The repository presents 9Router itself as free and open source, with optional use of external providers that may have their own subscriptions, credits, or API pricing. That means the tool can reduce friction and token waste, but total cost still depends on the providers connected to it. It is a strong fit for power users who bounce between Claude, GPT, Gemini, Qwen, DeepSeek, and free provider pools while coding. It is less useful for someone who only uses a single hosted chat product and never configures local AI clients. The main tradeoff is operational trust. Because 9Router sits between coding clients and model providers, developers should review how credentials, local endpoints, provider tokens, and logs are handled before using it with sensitive repositories. For personal or local development, the appeal is immediate: one dashboard, one endpoint, multiple providers, automatic fallback, and less token waste from verbose tool outputs. For teams, it can become a standard routing layer, but only after security review and clear rules about which providers are allowed for which projects.