Comparison

RouterChat for OpenRouter vs Cherry Studio

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

Head to head
About

RouterChat for OpenRouter

This AI client allows you to interact with various language models through text or voice. Organize conversations, attach files, and export your chats. An optional Pro version unlocks advanced features like hands-free and CarPlay support.

Highlights
  • Choose and switch AI models
  • Text and voice input/output
  • Attach PDFs and images
  • Organize chats with Bookmarks
  • Export chats to Markdown/JSON
  • Hands-free and CarPlay support (Pro)
Features
Read full description

RouterChat is a native, unofficial OpenRouter client for iPhone and iPad. Choose the AI model for your task, ask by text or voice, and keep useful answers organized. CHOOSE YOUR MODEL Browse models available to your OpenRouter account, save favorites, and switch models for different tasks. Compare responses with Fusion, or create images and videos with compatible models. Configure supported tools for search and other tasks, then inspect reported tool activity and source excerpts. TALK OR TYPE Record a prompt or listen to a reply. Use Speech for transcription and text-to-speech. Pro adds Hands-free conversations and a CarPlay interface on iPhone. On Apple Watch, enter or record a question, then read or play the answer. KEEP USEFUL ANSWERS Ask about PDFs and most text files with compatible models, including files shared from the iOS share sheet. Attach images when your chosen model supports them. Read answers with Markdown, formatted math, syntax-highlighted code, and Mermaid diagrams. Save useful passages with Bookmarks, name your chats, and return to earlier messages to start new conversation branches. Export chats to Obsidian-compatible Markdown or JSON, and continue saved chats on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with optional iCloud history. For development work, share .ips crash reports, Jetsam reports, and other diagnostic logs to investigate with your chosen model. CONTROL YOUR SETUP Check your OpenRouter key status, credits, balance, usage, and limits. Choose provider data preferences and whether to use iCloud for saved chats and settings. Your OpenRouter key is stored in the device Keychain. FREE APP FEATURES. OPTIONAL LIFETIME PRO. Core chat, manual voice input and playback, manual Speech transcription and text-to-speech, Bookmarks, and exports do not require Pro. RouterChat.Pro is one optional lifetime purchase for iPhone, iPad, and Mac App Store. It unlocks Hands-free and CarPlay conversations, regional endpoint selection, custom system-message editing, and saved parameter profiles for individual models. Current and future Pro features are included. BRING YOUR OPENROUTER ACCOUNT Sign in with OpenRouter or use an API key. Provider usage is billed separately; Pro does not include OpenRouter credits or model licenses. PDF parsing can add charges. Model availability, pricing, capabilities, tool support, and provider data policies vary. Regional endpoints require an eligible account and compatible models.

About

Cherry Studio

This AI workspace allows users to connect various AI models for text, image, and file processing. Create custom agents, integrate tools, and organize results. It also offers optional read-only access to Apple Health data for analysis.

Highlights
  • Multi-model conversations
  • Customizable AI agents
  • Image generation
  • Tool integration (search, calendar)
  • File organization and export
  • Optional Apple Health data access
Features
Read full description

Cherry Studio is an AI workspace for iPhone and iPad, bringing together multi-model conversations, agents, image creation, and tool connections. Connect your chosen models Configure model services and service keys, manage multiple models in the same app, and choose suitable capabilities for different tasks. Model availability and the ability to process text, images, and files depend on the services you configure. Let conversations serve work and creativity Have conversations about writing, learning, organizing materials, and everyday questions. Read responses as they are generated, and supplement the context with images and text attachments. Create your own agents Set names, instructions, default models, and tools for different purposes, and manage conversations for different projects separately. From ideas to images Connect models that support image generation, start creating from text descriptions or existing images, and view and manage your drawing history. Connect tools as needed Configure search services, plugins, or MCP tool services to provide agents with web search and external tool capabilities. These features depend on service configuration and permissions. After authorization, calendar and reminder tools can also be used. Organize and share results Manage attachments and generated files, preview documents, and export supported conversation content as Markdown, HTML, or images. You can also pair with the Cherry Studio desktop app to import supported model service configurations. Apple Health health and exercise analysis On supported iPhones, grant agents read-only access to steps, walking and running distance, active energy, heart rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep, and workout records in Apple Health. Before each tool read, you can review the scope and the AI service receiving the data, and choose to allow or deny it. The app does not modify health records. Analysis results are saved in conversations and can be deleted with them; AI answers do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before use The app is free to download. Model and third-party tool services may require separate accounts or service keys, and the respective providers may charge fees. Chat history is saved on your device. When you use models or online tools, relevant inputs are sent from your device to the services you configure; providers handle data according to their own policies. The app also has error diagnostics and operational statistics features. See the privacy policy for the specific scope of collection. AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify important information. Built for iPhone Duo and larger screens Enjoy fold layouts tailored to iPhone Duo, preview files beside local chats, and expand documents for focused reading. Keep your reading position when switching screens or rotating the device. A persistent sidebar on wide screens helps you work with chats and reference material together.

Screenshots

RouterChat for OpenRouter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RouterChat for OpenRouter at 100% against Cherry Studio's 50%. RouterChat for OpenRouter also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (47 vs 7). Cherry Studio's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 days). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. RouterChat for OpenRouter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Cherry Studio asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RouterChat for OpenRouter holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RouterChat for OpenRouter has 47 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of RouterChat for OpenRouter's written reviews are positive against 50% of Cherry Studio's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RouterChat for OpenRouter ships an update every 9 days, Cherry Studio every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
RouterChat for OpenRouter versus Cherry Studio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRouterChat for OpenRouterCherry Studio
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (47 ratings) — better3.7 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings47 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB156 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperAleksei Kolchanov上海千彗科技有限公司

Customer experience

RouterChat for OpenRouter

All ratings46 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Cherry Studio

All ratings7 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

RouterChat for OpenRouter

One-time1
  • RouterChat.Pro$12.99
None

Cherry Studio

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RouterChat for OpenRouter free?
RouterChat for OpenRouter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cherry Studio free?
Cherry Studio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RouterChat for OpenRouter or Cherry Studio?
RouterChat for OpenRouter is rated higher. RouterChat for OpenRouter averages 4.9 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while Cherry Studio averages 3.7 from 7 ratings.
Do RouterChat for OpenRouter or Cherry Studio have ads?
Neither RouterChat for OpenRouter nor Cherry Studio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RouterChat for OpenRouter or Cherry Studio?
RouterChat for OpenRouter ships an update every 9 days, and Cherry Studio every 4 days. Most recently, RouterChat for OpenRouter was updated on November 5, 2026 and Cherry Studio on November 6, 2026.

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