# Amp vs Cline

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Cline profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/cline
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-cline
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Cline are both Coding AI tools. Cline scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.2 vs 7.9 out of 10), led by ease of use and feature depth. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp is available on Web. Only Cline is available on VS Code Extension and JetBrains Plugin.

### 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 Cline if

- You want a tool built for developers who want an open-source agent with a choice of model providers, human approval at each step, and extensibility through MCP servers.
- Open source under Apache 2.0, with a large public community of 250+ contributors.
- No subscription needed: pay only for inference, or bring your own API key.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Plan and Act Modes | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-File Editing with Checkpoints | Not listed | Yes |
| Terminal and Browser Use | Not listed | Yes |
| Bring Your Own Model | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP Servers and Marketplace | Not listed | Yes |
| Rules Files | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-Agent Teams and Scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Headless and Chat Access | Not listed | Yes |
| SDK | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| 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 |

## 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.

## Cline strengths

- Open source under Apache 2.0, with a large public community of 250+ contributors.
- No subscription needed: pay only for inference, or bring your own API key.
- Works with many model providers, including local models through Ollama and LM Studio.
- Approval at every step, plus checkpoints and undo, keeps changes reviewable.
- Available in VS Code, a desktop app, CLI, SDK and CI, so it fits several workflows.

## Cline limitations

- Costs depend on token usage and are not capped on the free plan, so heavy agentic sessions can be hard to predict.
- JetBrains support is listed as early access and as an Enterprise feature.
- Documentation does not state specific ClinePass token or request allowances.

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Cline?**

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. Cline is built for developers who want an open-source agent with a choice of model providers, human approval at each step, and extensibility through MCP servers.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Cline?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines.

**Does Amp or Cline have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and Cline is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Cline?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.