Claude Code alternatives: AI coding agents to compare

10 tools. Ordered by how directly each listing matches this job, judged from its DreamBuilds description. This is an editorial order, not a benchmark or a test result.

1. Codex

   OpenAI's coding agent for the terminal, an editor extension, and ChatGPT. The free ChatGPT plan includes limited Codex access.

   The closest swap: OpenAI's agent for the terminal and editors. The free ChatGPT plan includes limited Codex access.

   FreemiumOfficial site

2. OpenCode

   Open-source coding agent for the terminal, a desktop app, and IDE extensions. Free models are included, or you can connect models from other providers.

   Open source, with a terminal agent, a desktop app and IDE extensions. Free models are included, or connect other providers.

   FreeOfficial site

3. Cusp

   Public preview of a coding agent that works with any model or gateway, from Claude and GPT to local models, and adapts its edit tools to each one. Desktop app and CLI, with turn rewind and parallel worktrees.

   Keeps your setup: it reads CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, skills, hooks and MCP servers in place, and runs on any model or gateway. Its free account covers 2,500 agent actions a month on your own keys. Public preview.

   Official site

4. Aider

   Open-source pair programmer in the terminal. You bring your own model key.

   Free and open source, in the terminal. You bring your own model key.

   FreeOfficial site

5. Goose

   Open-source coding agent from Block. You bring your own model key.

   Open-source agent from Block. You bring your own model key.

   FreeOfficial site

6. Cline

   Open-source coding agent for VS Code. You bring your own model key.

   If you would rather stay in VS Code: an open-source agent that uses your own model key.

   FreeOfficial site

7. Amp

   Coding agent that can run on remote machines. The Hobby tier is free and can use your own model keys.

   Can run on remote machines. The Hobby tier is free and can use your own model keys.

   FreemiumOfficial site

8. Vercel fx

   Vercel Labs' open-source coding agent CLI: one small native binary written in Zig that prints into your terminal scrollback, runs from scripts with fx ask, connects to editors over ACP, and embeds in apps. Experimental.

   For scripts, CI and embedding: a small open-source CLI from Vercel Labs that can use Vercel AI Gateway, a ChatGPT or Grok subscription, or another compatible endpoint. Experimental.

   Official site

9. Muse Code

   Meta's command-line coding agent for macOS and Windows, built on its Muse models. Several agents work on each task, and plans start at $5 a month.

   Meta's command-line agent, where several agents work on each task. Plans start at $5 a month.

   PaidOfficial site

10. Mirror CLI

    Reflection's coding agent for the terminal, in early beta. It uses Reflection's open-weight Beam model by default and can run parallel agents in separate git worktrees.

    Reflection's terminal agent, in early beta. It uses Reflection's open-weight Beam model by default and runs parallel agents in git worktrees.

    Official site