# Claude Code vs Kagi

> Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser
> Kagi: Ad-free, subscription-funded search engine with built-in AI assistant and summarization tools

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

## Verdict

Claude Code is listed under Coding AI and Kagi under AI Assistants. Claude Code scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.1 out of 10), led by value for money. Only Kagi has a free plan or trial. Only Claude Code is available on Windows, macOS and CLI. Only Kagi is available on iOS and Android.

### 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 Kagi if

- You want a tool built for people who want ad-free, personalizable search results and are willing to pay a subscription to get them.
- No advertising; revenue comes from subscriptions.
- Site-level raise, lower and block controls let users tune results.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Claude Code | Kagi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Ad-free search | Not listed | Yes |
| Site personalization | Not listed | Yes |
| Lenses | Not listed | Yes |
| Kagi Assistant | Not listed | Yes |
| Quick Answer and Summarize Page | Not listed | Yes |
| Developer APIs | Not listed | Yes |
| Orion browser | Not listed | Yes |
| Kagi Translate and Kagi News | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

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

## Kagi strengths

- No advertising; revenue comes from subscriptions.
- Site-level raise, lower and block controls let users tune results.
- Lenses give quick topic-specific filtering such as Academic or Forums.
- Ultimate bundles access to Claude, GPT and Gemini models in Assistant.
- Public APIs and an MCP server support developer use.
- Transparent funding history published by the company.

## Kagi limitations

- No permanent free tier: the trial is limited to 100 searches.
- The $5 Starter plan caps searches at 300 per month, which users report running out of quickly.
- Reviewers report that lens use and loading more results can count as extra searches.
- Full AI model access requires the $25 Ultimate plan.

## FAQ

**Is Claude Code better than Kagi?**

It depends on your workflow. Claude Code is built for Multi-file refactors and migrations. Kagi is built for people who want ad-free, personalizable search results and are willing to pay a subscription to get them.

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

Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser. Kagi: Ad-free, subscription-funded search engine with built-in AI assistant and summarization tools. Claude Code is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

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

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