RelayPlane vs LiteLLM vs LangChain

Compare RelayPlane with other AI model routing and orchestration solutions to find the best fit for your project.

RelayPlane

Simple, reliable AI model routing with built-in optimization and observability using your own API keys.

• One-line setup
• Smart fallback & optimization
• Built-in analytics
• BYOK proxied architecture
• Hosted + open source

LiteLLM

Python-first proxy server for AI models with extensive provider support.

• Extensive model support
• Self-hosted focus
• OpenAI compatibility
• Production ready

LangChain

Comprehensive framework for building complex AI applications and agents.

• Full AI framework
• Extensive integrations
• Maximum flexibility
• Complex capabilities

Detailed Feature Comparison

Core Features

Feature	RelayPlane	LiteLLM	LangChain
Model Routing & Proxy Route requests across multiple AI providers	✅ Full	✅ Full	✅ Full
Automatic Fallback Automatic retry with different models on failure	✅ Smart fallback chains	✅ Basic fallback	➖ Manual configuration
Cost Optimization Intelligent routing based on cost constraints	✅ Cost-aware routing	➖ Basic cost tracking	❌ None
Latency Optimization Route to fastest available model	✅ Latency-aware routing	➖ Basic load balancing	❌ None
Request Caching Cache responses to reduce costs and latency	✅ Redis-based caching	✅ Redis caching	➖ Manual implementation

Developer Experience

Feature	RelayPlane	LiteLLM	LangChain
Setup Complexity Time to get started with basic routing	✅ One line of code	➖ Config file required	❌ Complex setup
SDK Quality Quality and completeness of client libraries	✅ TypeScript-first	✅ Python-focused	✅ Multi-language
API Compatibility Compatibility with existing code	✅ OpenAI + Native APIs	✅ OpenAI-compatible	✅ Native integrations
Local Development Ability to develop without hosted service	✅ Works offline	✅ Self-hosted	✅ Local execution
Documentation Quality and completeness of documentation	✅ Comprehensive	✅ Good	✅ Extensive

Observability & Operations

Feature	RelayPlane	LiteLLM	LangChain
Request Logging Track and analyze API requests	✅ Built-in dashboard	✅ Custom solutions	➖ Manual setup
Performance Monitoring Monitor latency, success rates, and costs	✅ Real-time metrics	➖ Basic metrics	➖ Custom implementation
Error Tracking Track and debug API failures	✅ Detailed error analysis	✅ Error logs	➖ Basic logging
Usage Analytics Analyze usage patterns and costs	✅ Built-in analytics	➖ External tools needed	❌ None
Alerting Get notified of issues and thresholds	✅ Built-in alerts	➖ Custom setup	❌ None

Scalability & Reliability

Feature	RelayPlane	LiteLLM	LangChain
Rate Limiting Control API usage and prevent abuse	✅ Per-key limits	✅ Global limits	➖ Manual implementation
Load Balancing Distribute load across providers	✅ Intelligent routing	✅ Round-robin	➖ Manual setup
Provider Redundancy Automatic failover between providers	✅ Multi-provider failover	✅ Basic failover	➖ Manual configuration
SLA & Uptime Service level guarantees	✅ 99.9% SLA	➖ Self-managed	➖ Self-managed

Pricing & Value

Feature	RelayPlane	LiteLLM	LangChain
Free Tier What you get without paying (first 90 days includes bonus)	✅ 100K calls/month	✅ Self-hosted only	✅ Open source
Hosted Solution Managed cloud offering	✅ $29/month Solo-Pro	✅ $50/month+	❌ Self-host only
BYOK Architecture Use your own API keys while getting platform benefits	✅ Proxied BYOK with observability	✅ Full self-host	✅ Full self-host
Enterprise Features Advanced features for large organizations	🔄 Roadmap	✅ Available	✅ Available

When to Choose Each Solution

Choose RelayPlane if...

You want the simplest setup with one line of code
You need intelligent fallback and cost optimization
You prefer TypeScript/JavaScript development
You want built-in observability and analytics
You need BYOK with proxied routing for security + observability
You're building production apps that need reliability

Choose LiteLLM if...

You're primarily a Python developer
You need extensive model provider support
You want to self-host everything
You have complex custom routing needs
You're already using OpenAI-compatible APIs
You need battle-tested production stability

Choose LangChain if...

You're building complex AI applications/agents
You need extensive integrations and tools
You want maximum flexibility and control
You have complex data processing pipelines
You're comfortable with more complex setup
You need features beyond just model routing

Migration Guide

From LiteLLM

Before (LiteLLM):

import litellm
litellm.completion(
  model="claude-3-sonnet",
  messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]
)

After (RelayPlane):

import { relay } from '@relayplane/sdk'
relay({
  to: "claude-3-sonnet",
  payload: {
    messages: [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]
  }
})

Benefits: Automatic fallback, cost optimization, and built-in analytics with minimal code changes.

From LangChain

Before (LangChain):

from langchain.llms import Anthropic
llm = Anthropic(model="claude-3-sonnet")
result = llm.invoke("Hello")

After (RelayPlane):

import { relay } from '@relayplane/sdk'
const result = await relay({
  to: "claude-3-sonnet",
  payload: { messages: [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}] }
})

Note: RelayPlane focuses specifically on model routing. Keep LangChain for complex agent workflows and data processing.

Need Help Migrating?

Our team can help you migrate from existing solutions to RelayPlane with minimal downtime. With BYOK architecture, your existing API keys work seamlessly.

Ready to Get Started?

Try RelayPlane today and see the difference intelligent model routing can make.