Cline
The open source AI coding agent for VS Code
Overview
Cline is an open source coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension and a CLI. Instead of a black-box subscription, it asks you to bring your own API key for Claude, GPT, Gemini, or a local model, then charges nothing for the tool itself. It reads your repo, proposes a plan, and only starts editing once you approve, which makes it easier to trust with a real codebase than agents that just start firing off changes.
It's a good fit for developers who already have API access to a model and want an agent that stays out of the way until asked, rather than a fully managed product with its own billing. The tradeoff is that you're responsible for tracking your own token spend, and there's no polished dashboard telling you what a session cost until the API bill shows up. Enterprise adds SSO, team management, and JetBrains support for companies that need more control.
Key Features
Multi-File Editing: Coordinates changes across files with diffs you can review and undo.
Plan and Act Mode: Separates strategy discussion from execution so the agent doesn't just start editing blind.
Terminal Access: Runs bash commands and reacts to live terminal output.
Bring Your Own Model: Works with Claude, GPT, Gemini, and local models via your own API key.
MCP Marketplace: Extend the agent with community-built MCP servers for extra tools and data sources.
Multi-Root Workspaces: Work across several project folders in one session.
Pricing
Starting price
Free (open source); you pay only for AI model usage via your own API key
Open Source: Free. VS Code extension, CLI, MCP marketplace, multi-root workspaces, community support. You pay your model provider directly for inference.
Enterprise: Custom pricing. Adds JetBrains extension, SSO/OIDC, SLAs, dedicated support, centralized billing, and role-based access control.
Disclaimer: pricing may change, confirm on Cline's own pricing page before buying.
Pros
Free and Open Source: Apache 2.0 licensed, no subscription fee for the tool itself.
Model Flexibility: Not locked into one AI provider, you choose the model and pay that provider directly.
Transparent Editing: Diffs and undo make it easy to see and reverse what the agent changed.
Active Community: Large GitHub following and an MCP marketplace for extending functionality.
Cons
No Bundled Pricing: You must set up and monitor your own API billing, which adds friction for non-technical users.
VS Code Centric: JetBrains support is an Enterprise-only add-on, not available to individual users.
Costs Scale With Use: Heavy usage on a capable model like Claude can get expensive fast since there's no flat cap.
What Makes It Unique
True Bring-Your-Own-Key Model: Unlike most AI coding agents that bundle model costs into a subscription, Cline is free software that connects directly to whichever model provider you already pay.
Kay Score
7.8
/ 10
Tool Information
Pricing
Free (open source); you pay only for AI model usage via your own API key
Category
Coding & Development
Platform
Web / iOS / Android
Last Updated
