mcp-router

mcp-router is an MCP server proxy that sits in front of multiple tools to reduce token usage in Claude Code.

mcp-router is an open-source MCP server proxy that sits between Claude Code and multiple backend MCP servers. Instead of loading every tool schema into every request, Claude uses three router tools to search for tools, call them, or run code mode. Backend servers start lazily only when first needed, and cached tool lists allow discovery without booting inactive processes. The router trims JSON responses by stripping whitespace, null values, and link templates to keep outputs small enough to read inline without writing to disk. A code mode executes sandboxed JavaScript to chain multiple tool calls into a single turn without external network, file, or import access.

mcp-router at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Linux, open source
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: rabin-a.github.io

Key features

Lazy server startup on first tool use
Cached tool schemas for instant keyword search
Keyword search across all connected MCP servers
Tool execution via server.tool naming
JSON response shaping that strips whitespace, nulls, and link templates
Sandboxed JavaScript code mode to chain multiple tool calls in one step
SHA-256 checksum verification during installation

Use it for

Reducing prompt token consumption in Claude Code sessions
Managing large fleets of MCP servers without loading every schema into context
Chaining multiple MCP tool calls in a single execution step using sandboxed JavaScript
Keeping MCP tool outputs under Claude Code file-spillover limits

Companions

Tools that articles about mcp-router recommend using with it, each with its job.

Claude Code — Built to work with Claude Code.
Context7 — Provides up-to-date documentation for AI agents and code editors.
Playwright MCP — Enables LLMs to interact with web pages using structured accessibility snapshots.
GitHub MCP Server — Reads pull requests, issues and code search on GitHub.
Superpowers — Brainstorm, plan and execute skills for bigger tasks.
gstack — Skill bundle for planning, review and shipping.

Alternatives to mcp-router

Claude Code Mode — Reduces context token usage by returning only the final program result.
Claude Code Router — It centralizes control of AI agent requests with intelligent routing and observability.
MCP Proxy — It enables communication between remote SSE servers and stdio-based MCP clients.
Claude Context — It reduces token costs and provides deep context for large codebases.
Coding Tools MCP — Turns any chat app into a coding agent with strict workspace safety boundaries.
Claude Code Session Tracker — Monitor Claude Code usage limits and token history in a single local interface.
SuperClaude — Adds 30 slash commands and 8 MCP servers to Claude Code.
Oh My ClaudeCode — Orchestrates parallel Claude, Gemini, and Codex CLI workers.
KiCAD MCP Server — Enables natural language control of PCB design operations with hundreds of registered tools.
Claude Plugin — Builds and publishes web apps directly inside Claude Code with built-in hosting.
pxpipe — Cuts end-to-end token bills by compressing bulky context into compact PNGs.
Open Seo MCP Skills — Runs on your real Google Search Console and GA4 data.

All mcp-router alternatives