RelayPlane vs RTK: npm-Native LLM Proxy vs Rust Token Compressor
RTK compresses tokens to reduce costs. RelayPlane routes requests to the right model and tracks every dollar. If you use Claude Code or Cursor, the npm-native option integrates in one command.
TL;DR
Choose RelayPlane when you want:
- npm install in your existing Node.js workflow
- Direct integration with Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf
- Per-request cost tracking in local SQLite
- Complexity-based routing that preserves full response quality
- Budget caps and spend controls
RTK may work for you if you need:
- A zero-dependency Rust binary with no runtime requirements
- Token compression as the primary cost reduction strategy
- A system-level proxy for CLI-based dev tool commands
Feature Comparison
| Feature | RelayPlane | RTK |
|---|---|---|
| Product type RelayPlane installs as an npm package and routes requests across models based on complexity. RTK is a single Rust binary that filters and compresses tokens before forwarding requests. | npm-native LLM proxy (intelligent routing) | Rust binary CLI proxy (token compression) |
| Install method RelayPlane ships on npm and works in any Node.js environment in one command. RTK requires downloading a platform-specific binary and adding it to your PATH manually. | npm install -g @relayplane/proxy | Binary download (no npm package) |
| Works with Claude Code and Cursor RelayPlane integrates directly with Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Aider via a baseURL swap. RTK operates as a system-level CLI proxy focused on terminal dev tools, not coding assistant integrations. | Partial (system-level proxy only) | |
| Node.js in-process support RelayPlane works in-process inside Node.js applications with no extra tooling. RTK is a Rust binary and cannot be embedded in Node.js apps. | ||
| Cost tracking and dashboard RelayPlane logs the exact token count and dollar cost of every single request in local SQLite. RTK has no cost tracking or dashboard. | SQLite per-request log (on-device) | |
| Preserves full response quality RelayPlane forwards requests unmodified and selects the right model for the task. RTK filters and compresses tokens before forwarding, which may affect output quality on complex tasks. | Claims 60-90% token reduction via compression | |
| Complexity-based model routing RelayPlane automatically routes simple tasks to cheaper models like Haiku and complex tasks to Opus. RTK does not perform model routing; it compresses tokens and forwards to a single target. | ||
| Budget caps and spend controls RelayPlane enforces configurable budget caps and stops requests when limits are reached. RTK has no spend control features. | ||
| No account required Both tools start without creating an account. RelayPlane uses a single npm install; RTK requires a binary download. | ||
| Open source license Both RelayPlane and RTK are MIT licensed. | MIT | MIT |
| Ollama and local model support RelayPlane routes to Ollama and local models as first-class targets for zero-cost inference. RTK focuses on CLI dev tool commands and does not document local model routing. | ||
| Explicit per-request cost reporting RelayPlane reports the dollar cost of every request. RTK reports token reduction percentages but does not track actual spend. |
Why Claude Code and Cursor Developers Choose RelayPlane Over RTK
npm install is one command. Binary download is a process.
npm install -g @relayplane/proxy and you are running in under 30 seconds. No GitHub releases page, no platform detection, no chmod, no PATH edits. RTK ships as a Rust binary you download manually, which means a different install step per OS and no npm lockfile integration. For Claude Code and Cursor developers already in the Node.js ecosystem, RelayPlane is the native choice.
Intelligent routing vs token compression
RTK claims 60-90% token reduction by compressing and filtering tokens before forwarding. RelayPlane takes a different approach: route simple tasks to cheaper models automatically, so you preserve full context and response quality while still cutting costs. A Haiku response to a simple grep task costs 50x less than Opus without touching a single token in the request.
Cost tracking RTK does not have
RTK reduces tokens, which indirectly reduces costs, but it does not track what you spend. RelayPlane logs the exact dollar cost of every request in local SQLite. You know which specific prompt cost $0.02 and which cost $1.80. When you want to understand where your LLM budget goes, a log of token reduction percentages is not the same as a per-request cost ledger.
Built for Node.js apps and coding assistants
RTK is a Rust binary optimized for system-level CLI proxy use. RelayPlane is designed for Node.js apps, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Aider. It works in-process, integrates with any OpenAI-compatible client via a baseURL swap, and requires no changes to your shell configuration or system proxy settings.
RTK Compresses Tokens. RelayPlane Routes Intelligently.
RTK is a well-engineered Rust binary that claims 60-90% token reduction by compressing and filtering tokens before forwarding requests. If you want a single zero-dependency binary and are comfortable with token compression as your cost strategy, it is worth evaluating.
But if you use Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, or any OpenAI-compatible Node.js client, RelayPlane is the native fit. One npm install, a baseURL swap, and you get intelligent model routing, per-request cost tracking, budget caps, and full response quality preserved. No binary download, no PATH setup, no shell configuration changes.
Get Running in 30 Seconds
No binary download. No PATH edits. Just npm: