OpenCode vs Claude Code
Claude Code vs OpenCode, the open-source coding agent: cost, which models each runs, subscriptions you can sign in with, and MCP.
- Local servers
- Yes
- runs stdio servers
- Hosted servers
- Yes
- connects by URL
- Config
- CLI + JSON
- how servers are added
- Plugins
- Yes
- plugin marketplaces
Claude Code can use your Claude Pro, Max or Ultra plan. OpenCode cannot: Anthropic's terms do not let third-party apps route requests through those plan credentials, so OpenCode reaches Claude with an Anthropic API key billed per token. OpenCode can sign in with ChatGPT Plus, GitHub Copilot or GitLab Duo plans, and it supports 75+ model providers and local models (as of November 2026).
Our advice: pick Claude Code if you pay for a Claude plan. Pick OpenCode if you want an open-source agent that can run models from many providers, including local ones, paid with your own API keys. For more agents side by side, see Cursor vs Claude Code vs Codex.
Good for
- Developers who want an open-source agent they can inspect
- Claude Pro, Max or Ultra subscribers deciding which agent to use
- People who want to run local or cheaper models
- Teams mixing models from several providers
Side by side
Plans, prices and stars as of November 2026 (checked November 3, 2026). Our advice: use Claude Code with a Claude plan.
| Option | Claude Code | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Open source | No | Yes, MIT |
| Models you can pick | Claude (fable, opus, sonnet, haiku) | 75+ providers, plus local models |
| Sign in with a Claude plan | Yes | Not supported (Anthropic prohibits it) |
| Sign in with other subscriptions | Not applicable | ChatGPT Plus/Pro, GitHub Copilot, GitLab Duo |
| Own paid plan | Pro, $20/mo | Go, $10/mo |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, app, web | Terminal, IDE, app |
| MCP servers | Yes | Yes |
| GitHub stars (Nov 3, 2026) | – | 224k |
Which to pick
Our advice: if you already pay for Claude Pro, Max or Ultra, use Claude Code, because that plan is not accepted in OpenCode. If you want open source, local models or the freedom to switch providers, use OpenCode and pay each provider for what you use.
The main trade-off: OpenCode offers many model providers, Claude Code offers Claude usage under a flat plan.
Best for
- Claude Code: Claude subscribers who want usage covered by a flat plan
- Claude Code: people who want cloud sessions, the desktop app and mobile
- OpenCode: developers who want to read or change the agent
- OpenCode: running local models through Ollama or LM Studio
- OpenCode: ChatGPT Plus or Pro users who want a different agent
Skip it if
- Claude Code: you need a free plan (Claude Free does not include Claude Code)
- OpenCode: you want to use your Claude Pro or Max plan in it (Anthropic prohibits this)
Questions
Can I use my Claude Pro or Max plan in OpenCode?
No. Anthropic's terms do not let third-party apps sign in with Free, Pro, Max or Ultra plans, and OpenCode stopped shipping the plugins that did this in version 1.3.0. You can still use Claude in OpenCode with an Anthropic API key, billed per token.
Is OpenCode free?
The app is free and open source under the MIT license. You pay for the models: your own API keys, a ChatGPT Plus plan, a GitHub Copilot or GitLab Duo plan, or OpenCode Go at $10 a month (Go Plus is $40; as of November 2026).
How much does Claude Code cost?
Claude Code comes with Claude Pro ($20 a month, or $17 a month billed yearly), Max ($100) and Ultra ($200), as of November 2026. You can also pay per token with an API key. The Free plan does not include it.
Is OpenCode better than Claude Code?
No public test compares the two agents on the same model, so this page names no winner. Our advice: choose OpenCode for openness and model choice, and Claude Code if you want Claude at a flat monthly price with features like cloud sessions and the desktop app.
Can OpenCode run local models?
Yes. OpenCode's docs cover local models through Ollama, LM Studio, llama.cpp and Atomic Chat. If tool calls fail with Ollama, its docs suggest raising num_ctx, starting around 16k to 32k.
Does OpenCode support MCP servers?
Yes, local and remote, and it handles sign-in for remote servers automatically. OpenCode's docs warn that each server adds to the model's context, so many servers with many tools can fill it fast. Claude Code's tool search defers tool definitions until needed, which keeps that cost low. For what MCP tools are, see MCP tools explained.
Is Claude Code open source?
No. Its GitHub repository is public for issues and plugins, but the license reads "All rights reserved." OpenCode's full source is on GitHub under MIT.
Can I use ChatGPT Plus in OpenCode?
Yes. Pick the ChatGPT Plus/Pro option when you connect OpenAI, and OpenCode opens your browser to sign in. GitHub Copilot and GitLab Duo plans also work. For ChatGPT's own coding agent, see Claude Code vs Codex.
Information
updated Nov 3, 2026
- Transports
- stdio, SSE, Streamable HTTP
- Config file (all)
.mcp.json (project) or ~/.claude.json (user)- MCP docs
- code.claude.com
Sources
Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.
Show all 11Hide
- Claude Code legal and compliance · code.claude.com
- OpenCode providers · opencode.ai
- OpenCode intro · opencode.ai
- OpenCode on GitHub · github.com
- Claude Code license · github.com
- OpenCode Go · opencode.ai
- Claude plans and pricing · claude.com
- Claude Code overview · code.claude.com
- OpenCode MCP servers · opencode.ai
- Claude Code model configuration · code.claude.com
- Connect Claude Code to tools via MCP · code.claude.com