AI coding tools
Cline
Open-source agentFree, open-source agentic coding inside VS Code — bring your own API key.
Key facts (mid-2026)
- Maker
- Open source community
- Pricing
- Free (BYO API key — you pay token costs directly)
- Models
- Any: Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, local via Ollama/OpenRouter
- Platforms
- VS Code extension
- MCP support
- Yes
- Open source
- Yes
Strengths
- Completely free and transparent — you control the model and the spend
- Works with cheap models (DeepSeek/GLM) for massive cost savings
- MCP support and an active community
Weaknesses
- Raw API billing can exceed subscriptions for heavy frontier-model use
- You assemble and tune your own setup — less polish than commercial tools
Our verdict
Best for: Tinkerers and cost-optimizers who want full control over models and spend.
The best free path into agentic coding — pair it with a value-leader model from our leaderboard.
FAQ
How much does Cline cost?
Free (BYO API key — you pay token costs directly).
Which models does Cline use?
Any: Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, local via Ollama/OpenRouter
Who is Cline best for?
Tinkerers and cost-optimizers who want full control over models and spend.
No affiliate links on coding-hub pages. Opinions from daily use; pricing approximate — check the official site.