# Cline review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/cline
Website: https://cline.bot/

Open-source coding agent for desktop, IDE, terminal and SDK

Cline is an open-source coding agent that runs as a desktop app, an IDE extension, a command-line tool and an SDK. Its code is released under the Apache 2.0 license and is hosted on GitHub.

Cline is an open-source coding agent. Its homepage describes a desktop app, a CLI, an IDE extension and an SDK, with Plan and Act modes, MCP integration and the ability to run bash commands and edit files across a project. The GitHub repository states that the project is licensed under Apache 2.0.

Because the code is public, the agent's behavior can be read and changed. The homepage says Cline works with any model, so the cost of each task depends on the model provider the user connects. The site also lists Enterprise options for teams that need central administration.

- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line | open source (Apache-2.0)
- Price: Free and open source under Apache 2.0; the site also lists Enterprise options
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Apache 2.0 license with source on GitHub
- Plan and Act modes separate proposing from running
- Works with any model the user connects

## Limits

- Model costs depend on the provider the user connects
- The agent can run bash commands, so permissions need care

## Rankings

- #5 of 10 in [best AI coding assistants](https://listme.name/best/ai-coding-assistants), score 86.5: An Apache 2.0 agent for desktop, IDE, terminal and SDK, with Plan and Act modes and MCP support. Cost depends on the model provider, and its ability to run commands needs careful permission settings.

## Alternatives

- [Claude Code](https://listme.name/software/claude-code), score 93.0
- [Cursor](https://listme.name/software/cursor), score 92.0
- [GitHub Copilot](https://listme.name/software/github-copilot), score 91.5
- [OpenCode](https://listme.name/software/opencode), score 87.5
- [Kilo](https://listme.name/software/kilo), score 85.0
- [Aider](https://listme.name/software/aider), score 83.5
- [OpenAI Codex](https://listme.name/software/openai-codex), score 81.0
- [Kiro](https://listme.name/software/kiro), score 80.5