# Amp vs Claude Code

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Claude Code profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/claude-code
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-claude-code
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Claude Code are both Coding AI tools. Claude Code scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 7.9 out of 10), led by value for money. Only Amp has a free plan or trial. Only Claude Code is available on VS Code Extension, JetBrains Plugin and Slack App.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose Claude Code if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file refactors and migrations.
- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings.
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $0 | $20 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Codebase understanding | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-file editing | Not listed | Yes |
| Command execution | Not listed | Yes |
| Git and pull requests | Not listed | Yes |
| Subagents and parallel sessions | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP connections | Not listed | Yes |
| CLAUDE.md, skills and hooks | Not listed | Yes |
| Scheduled and cloud tasks | Not listed | Yes |
| Auto mode | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent SDK | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |
| Slack App | No | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## Claude Code strengths

- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests
- Included with Pro at $20 per month, with no separate purchase
- Extensible through MCP, skills, hooks, subagents and an Agent SDK
- Composable in scripts and CI through a non-interactive mode

## Claude Code limitations

- Not available on the Free plan; paid access starts at $20 per month
- Usage limits are shared with chat, and heavy users may need Max at $100 to $200 per month or per-token API billing
- JetBrains plugin requires the CLI to be installed separately
- Terminal-first workflow suits users comfortable with the command line

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Claude Code?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. Claude Code is built for Multi-file refactors and migrations.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Claude Code?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser. Claude Code is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Amp or Claude Code have a free plan?**

Amp has a free plan or trial; Claude Code is paid only.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Claude Code?**

Amp starts at $0 and Claude Code starts at $20. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.