Claude vs Claude Code
The Claude app is Anthropic's chat assistant; Claude Code is its coding agent that works inside your project. Here is how they differ.
The Claude app is Anthropic's chat assistant. Claude Code is a coding agent that reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands and integrates with your development tools. One paid plan covers both: Claude Pro and higher include Claude Code (as of November 2026). The "Claude CLI" people search for is Claude Code, which you start with the claude command.
Our advice: use the Claude app to chat, research, write and analyze files you upload. Use Claude Code when you want Claude to work inside your code. To see how it compares with other coding agents, read Cursor vs Claude Code vs Codex.
Good for
- Claude subscribers wondering what Claude Code adds
- Developers deciding between chatting about code and handing it off
- Anyone who searched for the Claude CLI
Side by side
Plans as of November 2026 (checked November 3, 2026). Our advice: if you write or review code every day, try Claude Code on the plan you already have.
| Option | Claude app | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Chat assistant | Coding agent |
| Where it runs | Web, desktop, mobile | Terminal, IDE, desktop, web |
| Works on | Chats, uploads | Your codebase |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Paid plans | Pro and up | Pro and up |
| Install needed | Not for the web app | CLI, extension or app |
| Connect your tools | Connectors | MCP, connectors |
Which to pick
Our advice: treat them as two tools on one plan. Use the Claude app for conversations and documents, and hand coding tasks to Claude Code. If you pay for Pro or higher, you already have both.
No terminal? Open the Code tab in the Claude desktop app or go to claude.ai/code on the web.
Best for
- Claude app: writing, research and questions about files you upload
- Claude app: people who never open a terminal
- Claude Code: fixing bugs, writing tests and refactoring a real project
- Claude Code: commits, pull requests and scheduled jobs
Skip it if
- Claude Code: you are on the Free plan, which does not include it
- Claude Code: you have no paid Claude plan or Console API key
Questions
Is Claude Code the same as Claude?
No. Both are made by Anthropic and use the same Claude models. Claude is the chat app; Claude Code is a separate agent that works on your code in the terminal, your editor, the desktop app's Code tab or the web.
Is Claude Code included with Claude Pro?
Yes. Pro ($20 a month, or $17 billed yearly), Max ($100), Ultra ($200), Team and Enterprise all include Claude Code (as of November 2026). The Free plan does not.
What is the Claude CLI?
It is Claude Code. After you install it, you type claude in a terminal inside your project folder to start a session.
Do I have to use the terminal for Claude Code?
No. The Claude desktop app has a Code tab that includes Claude Code, and you can also run it in the browser at claude.ai/code or as an extension in VS Code, Cursor and JetBrains. The Code tab needs a paid plan.
Can the Claude app write code too?
Yes. The app can write code, create and edit files with code execution, and this is on the Free plan too. Claude Code is the product that works inside your project folder: it reads your codebase, edits files and runs commands there.
Do my Claude connectors work in Claude Code?
Yes. Connectors you set up on claude.ai show up in Claude Code when you sign in with the same account. You can also add MCP servers just for Claude Code, per project or for all your projects. For what MCP tools are, see MCP tools explained.
Which model does Claude Code use?
Opus 5.5 by default on paid plans and the API. You can switch to Sonnet, Haiku or Fable where your plan allows; see Sonnet vs Opus for when each fits.
Can I use Claude Code without a subscription?
Yes, with an API key from the Claude Console, billed per token. The terminal version, VS Code and JetBrains can also use Claude through Amazon Bedrock, Google Cloud or Microsoft Foundry.
How does Claude Code compare with other coding agents?
See Claude Code vs Codex, Claude Code vs Cursor, Claude Code vs GitHub Copilot and Claude Code vs OpenCode, or all three of Cursor, Claude Code and Codex in one page.
Information
updated Nov 3, 2026
- Made by
- Anthropic
- Connector directory
- claude.ai/directory
Sources
Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.
Show all 4Hide
- Claude Code overview · code.claude.com
- Claude plans and pricing · claude.com
- Claude Code MCP · code.claude.com
- Claude Code model configuration · code.claude.com