Pick Claude Code if
engineers already on Claude Pro or Max who want the agent in the repo, next to chat.
Read the Claude Code pageClaude Code vs Cline
Our take
Pick Claude Code if you're an engineer already on Claude Pro or Max who want the agent in the repo, next to chat. Pick Cline if you're a developer who want an OSS agent in the editor and will pay tokens or bring a key. Skip Cline if you're people who want a hosted IDE subscription with published seat cards (Cursor, GitHub Copilot).
Best for
Claude Code An agent that works the checkout
Cline An agent that edits files and runs commands with your approval
Free plan
Claude Code No free plan
Cline No free plan
Lowest paid
Claude Code Pro $17/mo yearly, or $20 monthly
Cline Not published by the vendor
Next step up
Claude Code Max from $100/mo
Cline
Coding agent
Claude Code Claude Code (paid plans)
Cline CLI + desktop
Runs where
Claude Code
Cline Hosted
Watch out
Claude Code Claude Code is on paid seats
Cline The extension is free
Last checked
Claude Code 2026-10-22 · anthropic.com/pricing
Cline 2026-10-19 · cline.bot/pricing
Which one, then?
Pick Cline if
developers who want an OSS agent in the editor and will pay tokens or bring a key.
Read the Cline page