# Claude Code vs Cline

> Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser
> Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines

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

## Verdict

Claude Code and Cline are both Coding AI tools. Claude Code scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.2 out of 10). Only Cline has a free plan or trial. Only Claude Code is available on Web and Slack App.

### 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.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Claude Code | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Codebase understanding | Yes | Not listed |
| Multi-file editing | Yes | Not listed |
| Command execution | Yes | Not listed |
| Git and pull requests | Yes | Not listed |
| Subagents and parallel sessions | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP connections | Yes | Not listed |
| CLAUDE.md, skills and hooks | Yes | Not listed |
| Scheduled and cloud tasks | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Agent SDK | 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 | Claude Code | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | Yes | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | Yes | Yes |
| Slack App | Yes | No |

## 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

## 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 Claude Code better than Cline?**

It depends on your workflow. Claude Code is built for Multi-file refactors and migrations. 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 Claude Code and Cline?**

Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser. Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines. Claude Code is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

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

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