Best alternative to token-optimizer
Tokenade is the best alternative to token-optimizer — Universal token-optimization engine for AI coding agents — native hooks for 18 agents combine output filtering, semantic code search, skeleton compression, sandboxed execution, MCP proxying and a live savings dashboard in a single dependency-free binary.
Get TokenadeOutput Filtering
Format-aware compactors cover git, cargo, kubectl, terraform, docker and more — 60–99% reduction on the noisiest commands. Command rewriting further trims source-side before the shell even runs.
Output Filtering
16 bash compression handlers in Active Compression v5. Less coverage than rtk's 100+ filters but integrated into a broader quality-aware system.
Semantic Code Search
Finds the most relevant files for a task and sends only those to the model, instead of the whole repo. Runs fully on-device with no external vector database and no model downloads — fast even on large codebases.
Not available
Third-Party MCP Optimization
tokenade mcp-proxy wraps any third-party MCP server's launch command in the agent's MCP config, so every tool result (verbose JSON, logs, console output) is folded on the way back — set once, not per call. Image results pass through untouched.
Not available
Mechanism Breadth
The only tool combining output filtering + semantic search + skeleton compression + sandbox execution + MCP proxying + secret redaction + content-addressed cache in a single binary. On the open THOL benchmark (Claude Code 2.1.183 campaign) it is the only tool measured significantly cheaper than the control: cost ratio 0.84 [0.72, 0.95], 120/120 successful runs.
Mechanism Breadth
Strong multi-layer coverage — context compression + quality scoring + output filtering + dashboard. Focuses on Claude Code; multi-agent support is more limited.
Pricing
Freemium: works without an account (10M tokens offered per machine to try); a free account raises that to 10M tokens saved per month on unlimited machines. Pro at $19.90/mo (€19.90 incl. tax) covers 100M/month, then optional pay-as-you-save at $0.20 excl. tax (€0.20 incl. tax) per extra million saved. Enterprise on quote ([email protected]).
Pricing
Free for personal/small team use (PolyForm Noncommercial). Commercial use requires a paid license — the only tool in this comparison with a license restriction.
token-optimizer at a glance
token-optimizer starts at Free (PolyForm Noncommercial). Multi-platform Claude Code plugin with a 7-signal quality score, smart compaction with progressive checkpoints, AST-based structure maps (180K file → 250 tokens), and a full HTML dashboard — PolyForm Noncommercial license.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-layer approach: structural + runtime compression + quality scoring
- AST structure map achieves 95–99% compression on large files (180K → 250 tokens)
- Quality scoring prevents context degradation mid-session (7-signal score)
- Dashboard: per-turn costs, model mix, skill adoption, drift detection
- Works across multiple platforms: Claude Code, OpenCode, OpenClaw, Codex
Cons
- PolyForm Noncommercial license — commercial use requires a paid license
- Complex setup on non-Claude Code platforms
- Heavy Python dependency on local environments
- No transparent API for third-party integrations
Ready to cut costs with Tokenade?
Join the teams that already chose Tokenade over token-optimizer.
Get Tokenade