Comparison

CLI Pulse vs Model Usage

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CLI Pulse

Features
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CLI Pulse monitors your AI coding tool usage across Claude, Codex, Gemini, OpenRouter, Ollama, and 20+ providers in real-time. FEATURES: - Real-time usage monitoring for all major AI coding assistants - Track API costs and spending across providers - Session history with detailed metrics - Smart alerts for rate limits, errors, and unusual activity - Provider-level analytics with usage breakdowns MULTI-PLATFORM: - macOS menu bar app for quick access - iPhone & iPad app with adaptive layouts - Apple Watch app with quick glance dashboard - Home Screen & Lock Screen widgets PRIVACY: - Your usage data syncs to your own CLI Pulse account over an encrypted connection - No third-party ad or analytics SDKs - Remote control and cloud sharing are off by default, opt-in per feature, and revocable at any time Perfect for developers who use multiple AI coding tools and want to understand their usage patterns, control costs, and stay informed about their AI assistant activity. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION CLI Pulse Pro is available as an auto-renewing subscription. Available plans, pricing, and billing periods are shown in the App Store and in the app at the time of purchase. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store after purchase. Terms of Use: https://cli-pulse.github.io/cli-pulse/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://cli-pulse.github.io/cli-pulse/privacy.html

About

Model Usage

Features
Read full description

Model Usage is a real time dashboard for your AI coding tool usage. See how much of your five hour window and weekly quota you have used, watch your session tick up live, and get notified before you hit a limit. HOW IT WORKS A small client runs on your computer and reads the usage files that your AI coding tools already write locally. It forwards that usage to a server address you control. The apps pair with that server over a QR code or short pair code. No account, no email, no login. LIVE WHERE YOU ALREADY LOOK - Live Activity: a glanceable card with your current session and weekly usage, visible on the lock screen and Dynamic Island. - Home Screen widgets: compact and expanded sizes that show your session, weekly totals, and rate multipliers at a glance. - Lock Screen widgets: a tiny usage indicator right next to the clock. PAIRS WITH THE REST OF YOUR DEVICES Once you are paired on one device, the same setup flows to every companion app automatically. Send a snapshot to anyone in a conversation with the Model Usage messaging app. PRIVACY BY DESIGN No analytics. No tracking. No accounts. No advertising SDKs. Your usage data goes from your computer to a server you choose, and then to your own devices. Model Usage never sees it. FEATURES - AI coding tool usage tracking, side by side - Five hour session window and weekly window - Live Activity with Dynamic Island integration - Companion apps across every size of screen - Messaging app for sharing usage snapshots - Lock Screen and Home Screen widgets in all sizes - Live rate multiplier awareness. Rate changes are reflected in real time. - Open pair code or QR flow. No account required. - Dark mode throughout SETUP IN UNDER A MINUTE 1. Install the desktop client. 2. Copy the pair code. 3. Enter it in the app. That is it. The setup guide lives at modelusage.app/setup. Model Usage is built by a solo developer and does not collect, store, or share any personal data. See modelusage.app/privacy for details.

Screenshots

CLI Pulse4 screens
Model Usage3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Model Usage at none against CLI Pulse's 4. Model Usage also leads on device support (6 vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. CLI Pulse sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Model Usage asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
CLI Pulse versus Model Usage: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCLI PulseModel Usage
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 daysEvery 3 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro โ€” better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size45 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYuhe YeRayan Khan

In-app purchases

4 purchases

CLI Pulse

Subscriptions4
  • CLI Pulse Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
  • CLI Pulse Team Monthly$1.991 Month
  • CLI Pulse Pro Yearly$12.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • CLI Pulse Team Yearly$24.991 Year
None

Model Usage

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CLI Pulse free?
CLI Pulse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Model Usage free?
Model Usage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CLI Pulse or Model Usage have ads?
Neither CLI Pulse nor Model Usage shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CLI Pulse or Model Usage?
CLI Pulse ships an update every 3 days, and Model Usage every 3 days. Most recently, CLI Pulse was updated on September 23, 2026 and Model Usage on September 3, 2026.

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