CodingOpen source

Cline

Open-source coding agent for VS Code that uses any model you bring

What is Cline?

Cline is an open-source coding agent that runs inside VS Code and other editors, planning changes, editing files and running commands with your approval at each step. It is free for individual developers; you pay only for the AI model usage, using your own API keys or a provider of your choice. An Enterprise plan adds team controls.

Pros

Apache-2.0 open source
Works with many model providers, including local models
Clear plan-then-act flow with approvals

Cons

Model costs can add up with no cap
More setup than a subscription tool
Approving each step slows long tasks

Where Cline ranks

Alternatives

Cline alternatives

Aider

Open-source AI pair programmer that edits code in your terminal with git commits

Open sourceAssistant

Jules

Google's asynchronous coding agent that works on your GitHub repo and opens PRs

Free planTask agent

OpenAI Codex

OpenAI's coding agent for the terminal, IDE and cloud, included in every ChatGPT plan

Free · from $8/moTask agent

Claude Code

Anthropic's coding agent that edits, runs and ships code from your terminal or IDE

From $20/moTask agent

Cursor

AI code editor with an agent that makes changes across your whole project

Free · from $8/moTask agent

Devin

Autonomous software engineer from Cognition, now with the Devin Desktop editor

Free · from $20/moAutonomous

Cline FAQ

What is Cline?

How much does Cline cost?

Cline is open source. Free for individuals; you pay model providers for usage. Enterprise is custom.

Is Cline free?

Yes. Cline is open source and free to self-host; you pay only for the model API and hosting you use.

Is Cline an autonomous AI agent?

We rate Cline as "Task agent": completes tasks you hand it, then reports back.

What are the best Cline alternatives?

Popular alternatives to Cline are Aider, Jules, OpenAI Codex, Claude Code, Cursor.