# Run Claude Code for FREE on Your Machine Using OpenRouter

> Source: <https://dev.to/soham_chavan07/run-claude-code-for-free-on-your-machine-using-openrouter-5d1o>
> Published: 2026-08-15 15:16:26+00:00

[Tired of paying for Claude Pro just to get powerful AI coding help?](https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2F5msvv3n6tli2zz574ukn.jpeg)

I recently set this up and now run top-tier models right in my terminal — completely free on the free tier. Perfect for freelance web developers who want Claude-level intelligence for building projects, debugging, and client work without extra expenses.

**1. Install Claude Code**

```
bash
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

2. Get your free OpenRouter API key
→ openrouter.ai
3. Add these lines to your ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc:

export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="your_key_here"
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://openrouter.ai/api"
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN="$OPENROUTER_API_KEY"
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=""  # Important: keep this blank

4. Restart your terminal and run:
claude --model openrouter/free

That’s it. You now have a powerful coding assistant running in your terminal.
Pro tip for freelancers
Use this while building client projects. It speeds up Next.js/React work, Tailwind styling, API integrations, and debugging dramatically.
![ ](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2arf96xmhu2l543s1jsn.jpeg)
```