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Comparison · AI coding assistants

Claude Code vs OpenCode: which is better in 2026?

Claude Code93.0#1 in best AI coding assistantsOpenCode87.5#4 in best AI coding assistants

Claude Code ranks higher in our list of AI coding assistants (#1 against #4, score 93.0 against 87.5).

How we rank Share

  • 93.0
    Editorial score
    87.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    4
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Claude Code if you want

Terminal-first agentic coding inside a Claude plan.

Agentic coding from the terminal, IDE, Slack or the web, included in Pro and Max. It has no free tier, and heavier daily use points to the Max plan.

Choose OpenCode if you want

Open-source terminal agent with any model provider.

MIT-licensed agent that runs in a terminal, an IDE or a desktop app, with free models included and any provider's models connectable. Its public repository and session features place it near Cline in this list.

The main differences

  • Only OpenCode runs on Linux.
  • Only OpenCode runs on Windows.
  • Only OpenCode runs on macOS.
  • Only Claude Code runs on Web.
  • OpenCode is open source; Claude Code is not.
  • OpenCode can be used for free; Claude Code requires payment.

Side by side

Claude CodeOpenCode
Score93.087.5
Rank in list#1 of 10#4 of 10
PriceSubscriptionIncluded in Claude Pro and Max plans; no separate free tier is listedFree and open sourceMIT-licensed and free to install; free models included, with separate Zen and Enterprise offerings
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsCommand lineWebCommand line, WebWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Made byAnthropicAnomaly
InterfaceTerminal, IDE, Slack and webTerminal, IDE and desktop app
Model choiceAnthropic modelsFree models or any provider
Commits to gitNot listedNot listed
Best forTerminal-first agentic coding inside a Claude planOpen-source terminal agent with any model provider
Strengths
  • Works from the terminal, an IDE, Slack and the web
  • Edits files and runs commands in a project
  • Included in Pro and Max plans
  • MIT-licensed with a large public repository
  • Works in the terminal, IDE and desktop app
  • Connects models from many providers
Limits
  • Needs a paid Claude plan
  • Heavier use needs Max, which costs more
  • Results depend on the model connected
  • Hosted offerings are separate from the free software
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Claude Code vs OpenCode

Is Claude Code better than OpenCode?
Claude Code ranks higher in our list of AI coding assistants (#1 against #4, score 93.0 against 87.5). Claude Code is best for: terminal-first agentic coding inside a Claude plan. OpenCode is best for: open-source terminal agent with any model provider.
Which is cheaper, Claude Code or OpenCode?
Claude Code: Included in Claude Pro and Max plans; no separate free tier is listed. OpenCode: MIT-licensed and free to install; free models included, with separate Zen and Enterprise offerings.
Do Claude Code and OpenCode run on the same platforms?
Claude Code supports Command line, Web. OpenCode supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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