RelayPlane vs LiteLLM: Which LLM Proxy is Right for Node.js?
LiteLLM is a powerful Python tool. But if you are a Node.js developer who wants npm install and zero infrastructure, RelayPlane is built for you.
TL;DR
Choose RelayPlane if you want:
- npm install with no Python or Docker required
- Per-request cost tracking without a database to manage
- Native Node.js runtime in your existing npm workflow
- Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw compatibility
LiteLLM may fit if you need:
- Extensive model support across 100+ providers
- A mature Python-first ecosystem
- Team-level usage dashboard via the hosted offering
Feature Comparison
| Feature | RelayPlane | LiteLLM |
|---|---|---|
| Install method RelayPlane is one npm command. LiteLLM requires Python, pip, and running a separate proxy server process. | npm install -g @relayplane/proxy | pip install litellm + proxy server |
| Runtime RelayPlane is built in TypeScript and runs natively in Node.js. LiteLLM is Python-first and requires a Python environment. | Node.js native | Python |
| Docker required RelayPlane installs and runs directly from npm with no containers. LiteLLM's production setup recommends Docker. | No | Yes (recommended) |
| Per-request cost tracking RelayPlane tracks exact token costs per request in local SQLite. LiteLLM cost tracking requires the full proxy server stack with a database. | Requires proxy server + PostgreSQL | |
| Setup complexity RelayPlane is one command. LiteLLM cost and routing features require configuring and running a proxy server with a database backend. | Single npm install | Proxy server setup |
| Node.js / npm native RelayPlane is built for Node.js developers. LiteLLM is Python-first and not natively integrated into npm workflows. | ||
| Data stays on your machine RelayPlane stores all cost data locally in SQLite. LiteLLM with hosted dashboard sends data to external services. | Depends on setup | |
| Open source license Both projects are MIT licensed. | MIT | MIT |
| Claude Code / Cursor compatible RelayPlane is designed and tested to work with Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw. LiteLLM compatibility with these tools varies. | Partial | |
| Smart routing by complexity RelayPlane routes to Haiku, Sonnet, or Opus based on task complexity automatically. LiteLLM requires manual routing configuration. |
Why Node.js Developers Choose RelayPlane
Node.js native, npm install in one command
npm install -g @relayplane/proxy and you are running. No Python environment, no pip, no Docker, no proxy server to configure and operate.
Per-request cost tracking without infrastructure
Tracks exact token costs per request in self-hosted SQLite. No PostgreSQL, no external database, no data leaving your machine. LiteLLM requires a full proxy server and database to get the same visibility.
Works out of the box with Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw
RelayPlane is designed and tested for the tools Node.js developers actually use. Drop-in compatible with Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw workflows.
Smart routing to the right model automatically
Routes to Haiku, Sonnet, or Opus based on task complexity. No manual routing rules to write. Supports 11 providers including Ollama for local inference.
LiteLLM Is Great for Python. RelayPlane Is Built for Node.js.
LiteLLM has a strong ecosystem and supports a huge range of models. For Python teams, it is a solid choice. But for Node.js developers, installing Python, pip, and running a separate proxy server process adds real friction to every project.
RelayPlane is MIT licensed, installs in one npm command, runs natively in Node.js, and stores cost data locally in SQLite. No Docker, no PostgreSQL, no external dependencies.