Comparison · Coding
Claude Code vs Cline: which AI agent is better?
A side-by-side look at Claude Code and Cline on quality, price, capabilities and trust. Scores measure observable public data; prices come from each vendor's own pricing page. Every fact is sourced and dated.
| Claude Code Anthropic | Cline Cline | |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Score | 67 | 49 |
| Entry price | $20/mo | Free plan |
| Trust | ✓ VERIFIED | ✓ VERIFIED |
| Capabilities documented | 7 | 4 |
| Free plan | No | ✓ Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Public API | ✓ Yes | — |
| MCP support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Open source | No | ✓ Yes |
| Last verified | 30 Sept 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 |
Score breakdown
| Component | Claude Code | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| Capabilities | 88 | 38 |
| Integrations | 50 | 25 |
| Documentation | Not measured | Not measured |
| Pricing clarity | 100 | 100 |
| Transparency | 100 | 100 |
| Freshness | 100 | 100 |
| Human oversight | Not measured | Not measured |
Choose Claude Code if…
- You want a higher Agent Score (67 vs 49).
- You want more documented capabilities (7 vs 4).
- You want a public API.
Choose Cline if…
- You want a free plan to start.
- You want a free plan.
- You want an open-source option.
See the full picture: Claude Code · Cline · more Coding agents · all comparisons.