Apps (CLI, Desktop, VS Code)
Use RouterBench from the terminal, a desktop app, or inside VS Code — with Smart Router built in.
Apps
RouterBench ships first-party apps that route every request through the gateway, so you get the full catalog of 130+ models, Smart Router, and your plan's usage allowance wherever you work.
Install
All three apps share the same account and models. Sign in once (see below) and your plan, usage windows, and model access apply everywhere.
| App | Install |
|---|---|
| CLI | npm i -g @routerbench.com/cli then run RouterBench |
| VS Code | Install the RouterBench extension from the Marketplace |
| Desktop | Download from routerbench.com/download (macOS, Windows, Linux) |
Smart Router — the Auto model
Open the model picker in any app and choose Smart Auto (Router). Instead of
picking a model yourself, RouterBench classifies each request and routes it to the
best-fit model for the task — balancing quality, capability (vision, tools,
reasoning), context size, and cost. It's the same Smart Routing
that powers "model": "auto" on the API.
Auto is the fastest way to get good results without memorizing which model is best for code, long documents, vision, or cheap bulk work — the router decides per request.
Sign in (device flow)
The apps use a browser-based device sign-in — no API key to copy and paste:
- Start sign-in in the app (
RouterBenchprompts you on first run, or run the connect command). - The app opens console.routerbench.com/activate and shows a short code.
- Approve the code in your browser. The app receives a scoped API key automatically and stores it locally.
You can revoke the app's access anytime from your dashboard under API Keys.
Plans & usage
The apps consume the same plan as the API and dashboard. On a paid plan (Pro or Max) usage counts against your rolling 5-hour and weekly windows; on pay-as-you-go it draws from your credit balance. Run out of window budget and the app surfaces the limit until the window rolls over.
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