# Claude vs Cline

> Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files
> Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines

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

## Verdict

Claude is listed under AI Assistants and Cline under Coding AI. Claude scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (9.1 vs 8.2 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Claude is available on Web, iOS and Android. Only Cline is available on VS Code Extension, JetBrains Plugin and CLI.

### Choose Claude if

- You want a tool built for coding and code review.
- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory.
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat.

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

## Features

| Feature | Claude | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Artifacts | Yes | Not listed |
| Projects | Yes | Not listed |
| Claude Code | Yes | Not listed |
| File creation and code execution | Yes | Not listed |
| Web search and Research | Yes | Not listed |
| Memory | Yes | Not listed |
| Connectors | Yes | Not listed |
| Vision and document reading | Yes | Not listed |
| Claude in Chrome | 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 | Cline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome Extension | Yes | No |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |
| CLI | No | Yes |

## Claude strengths

- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat
- Claude Code is included with Pro, Max, Ultra and Team
- Connectors use MCP to reach Slack, Google Workspace and other tools
- Available on web, desktop, iOS and as a Chrome extension, plus an API and major cloud platforms

## Claude limitations

- Usage limits on every plan, with weekly caps (and five-hour caps below Ultra) and no published message counts
- Does not generate images
- The higher individual tiers are costly: Max is $100 per month and Ultra is $200 per month
- Linux desktop app is still in beta

## 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 better than Cline?**

It depends on your workflow. Claude is built for coding and code review. 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 and Cline?**

Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files. Cline: Open-source autonomous coding agent for your editor, terminal, and CI pipelines. Claude is rated 4.5/5 from 2 user reviews.

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

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

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

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