OpenCode vs Claude Code
Independent verdict · Updated 2026-11-02
Verdict: Claude Code is Anthropic's own coding agent, included with paid Claude plans and built around Claude models. OpenCode is a free, MIT-licensed agent that works with 75+ providers, local models, or your ChatGPT Plus/Pro or Copilot login, and since v2.2.3 can even use your Claude Code login as a provider. Pick Claude Code for a polished, Claude-first workflow with vendor support; pick OpenCode for model freedom and an open codebase.
| OpenCode | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Open-source coding agent | Terminal coding agent |
| Pricing | Free and open source (MIT), with free models included; you pay any other provider you connect | Included with Claude Pro ($20/mo, or $17/mo billed annually), Max ($100/mo), Ultra ($200/mo), Team and Enterprise; or pay-as-you-go API credits via a Console account |
| Pros | Model freedom: 75+ providers, local models, or your ChatGPT Plus/Pro or Copilot login; /goal (v2.2.1, Oct 29, 2026) keeps a session working until a reviewer step confirms the objective is met; Built-in Claude Agent provider (v2.2.3) lets you use your Claude Code login inside OpenCode; MIT licensed, with parallel multi-session agents and plugins | Excellent on large refactors; Works with any editor; First-class MCP support; Automated PR Code Review now GA for Team and Enterprise plans |
| Cons | Very fast release cadence with frequent breaking changes for plugin and SDK authors; Scheduled prompts, image generation and artifacts are still opt-in experimental features; Goal reviews run extra model calls, so they use more of your model budget | Terminal-first; less visual; Plan usage is shared with Claude chat (5-hour and weekly limits); Not included on the Free plan |
Choose OpenCode if…
- You are standardizing on Claude models and already pay for a Claude plan
- Your team wants automated PR Code Review (Team/Enterprise)
- You want Claude Code built into Claude Desktop with nothing else to install
Choose Claude Code if…
- You want to switch between Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok or local models
- You want a free, open-source (MIT) agent you can inspect and extend with plugins
- You want /goal loops and opt-in scheduled prompts
Where they rank
- Best AI coding tools for an existing codebase: OpenCode #8, Claude Code #1
- Best terminal (CLI) coding agents: OpenCode #3, Claude Code #1
Recent changes
- 2026-10-29 OpenCode: OpenCode 2.2.1 adds /goal: set an objective and the session keeps working until a reviewer step confirms it is met, with pause, resume and clear controls, plus opt-in scheduled prompts via /schedule. v2.2.3 (Oct 30) adds a built-in Claude Agent provider that uses your Claude Code login. Source
- 2026-10-26 Claude Code: Security warning: the same researchers showed a planted CLAUDE.md can get Claude Code to reroute its API traffic and leak its OAuth token about half the time. Check unfamiliar instruction files and settings before starting an agent in a folder you didn't create. Source
- 2026-10-15 Claude Code: Claude Code Review leaves research preview and is generally available for Claude Team and Enterprise, with Quick, Standard and Deep modes. Source
Sources
Official sites: OpenCode · Claude Code
FAQ
Which is better, OpenCode or Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's own coding agent, included with paid Claude plans and built around Claude models. OpenCode is a free, MIT-licensed agent that works with 75+ providers, local models, or your ChatGPT Plus/Pro or Copilot login, and since v2.2.3 can even use your Claude Code login as a provider. Pick Claude Code for a polished, Claude-first workflow with vendor support; pick OpenCode for model freedom and an open codebase.
When should I choose OpenCode?
You are standardizing on Claude models and already pay for a Claude plan. Your team wants automated PR Code Review (Team/Enterprise). You want Claude Code built into Claude Desktop with nothing else to install.
When should I choose Claude Code?
You want to switch between Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok or local models. You want a free, open-source (MIT) agent you can inspect and extend with plugins. You want /goal loops and opt-in scheduled prompts.
How much do OpenCode and Claude Code cost?
OpenCode: Free and open source (MIT), with free models included; you pay any other provider you connect. Claude Code: Included with Claude Pro ($20/mo, or $17/mo billed annually), Max ($100/mo), Ultra ($200/mo), Team and Enterprise; or pay-as-you-go API credits via a Console account. BuildJury only states prices confirmed on official pricing pages.
Is OpenCode free?
Yes. OpenCode is free and open source under the MIT license and includes a set of free models. You only pay if you connect another provider.
Can OpenCode use my Claude subscription?
Since OpenCode 2.2.3 (Oct 30, 2026) you can install Claude Code, run claude auth login, then select Claude Agent in /connect to use your Claude Code login and models inside OpenCode.