Claude Code vs Cline
Claude Code and Cline are both Code Generation tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Claude Code | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Anthropic | Cline Bot |
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.7 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | CLI, IDE, API | VS Code |
| Key features | Whole-codebase reasoning via long context, File edits, tests and git operations, CLAUDE.md project memory | Autonomous multi-file edits, Terminal command execution, BYOK multi-model support |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2024 |
| Open source | No | Yes |
Key differences
- Claude Code and Cline share the same user rating (4.7★).
- Claude Code is Paid, while Cline is Freemium.
- Cline is open source (its code is public), while Claude Code is proprietary.
- Claude Code runs on CLI, IDE, API; Cline runs on VS Code.
Frequently asked questions
Is Claude Code or Cline better?
Claude Code and Cline are rated equally (4.7★) by users, so the better choice depends on your needs — see the feature and platform comparison above.
Which is cheaper, Claude Code or Cline?
Claude Code is Paid and Cline is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Claude Code and Cline open source?
Cline is open source, while Claude Code is proprietary.