OpenCode vs Claude Code
Quick Answer
The core difference is who decides the model. OpenCode is an open-source, MIT-licensed coding agent that works with almost any model provider, including local models, so you can switch models as prices and quality change. Claude Code is Anthropic’s own agent, built around Claude models and included with Claude subscriptions, with a tightly integrated experience and team features such as automated pull request review.
Choose OpenCode for flexibility, local models, and an open codebase you can inspect. Choose Claude Code for a polished, Claude-optimized workflow and the value of using it on a Claude subscription.
At a Glance
| OpenCode | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anomaly (formerly SST), open source | Anthropic |
| License | MIT (~220k GitHub stars) | Proprietary |
| Current version | 2.0 (Oct 2026) | Continuously updated |
| Models | Dozens of providers plus local models | Claude models (Fable 5.1, Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5, Haiku 5.5) |
| How you pay | Your API keys, OpenCode’s pay-as-you-go service, OpenCode Go subscription, or local | Claude Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, or Anthropic API |
| Claude subscription login | Not permitted | Yes |
| Interfaces | Terminal UI, desktop app (beta), IDE extension | Terminal, IDE extensions, desktop and web |
| Built-in agents | Build, Plan (read-only), General subagent | Main agent with subagents |
| Background work | Background subagents and async shell (2.0) | Background tasks and subagents |
| PR review | Not built in | Code Review GitHub App (Team, Enterprise) |
| Extensibility | Plugins, MCP, custom commands, Code Mode | Skills, plugins, hooks, MCP |
Model Choice and Cost
This is the biggest practical difference.
OpenCode lets you bring any provider: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, Qwen, GLM, Kimi, MiniMax, and others, or a local model through Ollama or LM Studio. That means you can route cheap models like DeepSeek V4.1 Flash to routine edits and save stronger models for hard problems, which is model routing in practice. OpenCode also offers its own curated model service on pay-as-you-go credits.
Claude Code runs Claude models only. In exchange, it is included with Claude plans. If you already pay for Claude Pro or Max, Claude Code’s usage is part of what you pay for, which is often much cheaper than equivalent API usage. You cannot use that subscription in OpenCode: Anthropic restricts Pro and Max credentials to its own apps, and the sanctioned path for third-party tools is API billing.
Workflow
Both are terminal-first agents that read your repository, plan, edit files, and run commands.
OpenCode has a clear two-mode workflow: a Plan agent that is read-only and proposes changes, and a Build agent that makes them, plus a General subagent for searches. Version 2.0, released in October 2026, turned it into a local background service that the terminal, desktop app, and editors connect to, added background subagents and asynchronous shell commands, and introduced Code Mode, where agents write scripts that combine MCP and API calls. The upgrade broke 1.x plugins.
Claude Code offers subagents, background tasks, skills, hooks, and plugins, and runs across terminal, IDE, desktop, and web. Its team features go further: Code Review installs as a GitHub App and reviews every new pull request automatically on Team and Enterprise plans.
Permissions and Safety
OpenCode’s Plan agent denies file edits by default and asks before running bash commands; Build has full access. Claude Code has permission modes that range from asking before each action to running more autonomously. With either, run agents in a sandbox or container for unattended work; see agent sandbox and AI permission hygiene.
Privacy
OpenCode with a local model can keep code entirely on your machine. With hosted providers, each provider’s terms apply; OpenCode says its curated service uses zero-retention providers with listed exceptions. Claude Code sends code to Anthropic (or your cloud provider) under your plan’s terms; commercial plans exclude content from training by default.
Setup
OpenCode installs with one command, then needs a provider configured. Its rapid release cadence means frequent updates. Claude Code installs and signs in with your Claude account, with nothing else to configure.
Choose OpenCode If
You want to pick and switch models, use local models, avoid vendor lock-in, inspect or modify the agent’s code, or keep costs down by routing cheap models to routine work.
Choose Claude Code If
You already pay for Claude Pro or Max, you want Claude models with the least setup, your team wants automated PR review, or you prefer one vendor’s integrated stack.
When Neither Is Ideal
If you want OpenAI’s models and cloud tasks, see OpenCode vs Codex. If you want an agent inside VS Code rather than the terminal, Cline. If you want a lightweight, Git-centric tool, Aider.
Final Recommendation
Claude Code is the easier, more integrated choice if you are already a Claude subscriber. OpenCode is the better long-term choice if model flexibility, local models, or open source matter to you. Many developers keep both: Claude Code on their subscription, OpenCode for everything else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenCode free?
The software is free and MIT-licensed. You pay for the models you use: your own API keys, OpenCode's pay-as-you-go model service (a 4.6% plus $0.31 fee applies to credit purchases), an OpenCode Go subscription, or nothing extra with local models. Claude Code is included with paid Claude plans or billed through Anthropic's API.
Does OpenCode support Claude?
Yes, through an Anthropic API key or providers that serve Claude models. You cannot use a Claude Pro or Max subscription login in OpenCode: Anthropic's terms restrict subscription credentials to its own apps, including Claude Code, and OpenCode removed its bundled Claude subscription plugin.
Can OpenCode use local models?
Yes. OpenCode works with local models through tools like Ollama and LM Studio, as well as dozens of hosted providers. Claude Code runs Anthropic's Claude models, through Anthropic or cloud providers that host them.
Is Claude Code better for large repositories?
Claude Code is a mature, tightly integrated tool with strong Claude models, subagents, and team features like automated PR review. OpenCode can be just as capable when paired with a strong model, since much of the quality comes from the model. On very large repositories, model quality and context management matter more than the harness.
Which coding agent is more private?
OpenCode can be more private because it can run entirely with local models, so code never leaves your machine. With hosted models, privacy depends on each provider's terms. Claude Code sends code to Anthropic or your cloud provider under your plan's data terms, with commercial plans excluding data from training by default.
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