opencode vs Claude Code
opencode vs Claude Code: terminal AI coding agents compared on interface, agents, plugins, install options and licensing.
Updated
short verdict
Pick opencode if you want an MIT-licensed agent with a TUI, a read-only plan agent you toggle with Tab, and a beta desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux. Pick Claude Code if you want to use the agent from IDEs and GitHub (@claude mentions) as well as the terminal, or if you want a plugin system for custom commands and agents. Both are written in TypeScript and install with a single command.
Both tools are AI coding agents that you drive from the terminal and that work against your existing codebase. They differ in where else they run, how they split work between agents, and how you extend them. opencode centers on a TUI with built-in build and plan agents plus a beta desktop app. Claude Code centers on natural language commands and reaches into IDEs and GitHub.
this page is for
- Developers deciding between two terminal-based AI coding agents
- Teams weighing a desktop app against IDE and GitHub integration
- Readers who care about license and install-channel coverage
Better pick when you want an MIT-licensed terminal agent with a read-only plan mode and a desktop app option.
best for
- Planning changes in an unfamiliar codebase without edits
- Developers who want a desktop app alongside the TUI
- Installing through Scoop, Chocolatey, pacman/AUR or Nix
strengths
- Tab switches between the full-access build agent and the read-only plan agent
- Plan agent denies file edits by default and asks before running bash commands
- Beta desktop app for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows, and Linux (.deb, .rpm, .AppImage)
- Installs via curl script, npm/bun/pnpm/yarn, Homebrew, Scoop, Chocolatey, pacman/AUR, or Nix
weaknesses
- Desktop app is labeled beta
- No documented IDE or GitHub mention integration
- Extension and plugin model is not described beyond a pointer to the online docs
Better pick when you want the same agent in the terminal, your IDE and GitHub, with plugins for custom commands.
best for
- Teams that want to trigger the agent from GitHub with @claude
- Developers who work in an IDE and the terminal
- Building custom commands and agents through plugins
strengths
- Runs in terminals, IDEs, and through @claude mentions on GitHub
- Plugin system adds custom commands and agents
- Handles git workflows and explains code from natural language prompts
- Installs via curl script, Homebrew cask, or WinGet; /bug reports issues from inside the tool
weaknesses
- Collects usage data, including code acceptance/rejection feedback and conversation data
- No documented desktop app or read-only planning agent toggle
- Fewer documented install channels, with no listed npm, Scoop, Chocolatey or Nix route
Key differences
- Interface: opencode is a TUI plus a beta desktop app; Claude Code spans terminal, IDEs and GitHub @claude mentions.
- Agents: opencode ships build, plan and a general subagent (@general); Claude Code adds agents through plugins.
- Extensibility: Claude Code documents a plugin system for custom commands; opencode points to its online docs for config.
- License: opencode is MIT licensed; both tools are written in TypeScript.
- Install: opencode lists npm, Scoop, Chocolatey, pacman/AUR and Nix; Claude Code lists curl, Homebrew cask and WinGet.
- Data: Claude Code documents usage and conversation data collection with limited retention.
Choose opencode when
- You want to explore or plan with a read-only agent and switch to build mode with Tab.
- You want an MIT-licensed tool you can install from npm, Nix, pacman/AUR, Scoop or Chocolatey.
- You want a desktop app on macOS, Windows or Linux in addition to the terminal.
Choose Claude Code when
- You want to mention @claude on GitHub or use the agent inside an IDE.
- You want plugins that add custom commands and agents for your own workflows.
- You want to offload git workflows and code explanations to natural language prompts.
When not to use these
- You need an agent that never sends conversation or usage data off your machine; neither project documents a fully local mode.
- You need a graphical-only workflow; both are built around the terminal, and opencode's desktop app is still beta.
FAQ
- Which is faster, opencode or Claude Code?
- Neither project documents performance figures or benchmarks, so there is no sourced answer. Test both on your own repository.
- Can I use opencode and Claude Code together?
- Neither project documents running them side by side. They are separate programs with separate install routes, so installing both is possible, but how they interact on one repo is not covered.
- Which is easier to configure?
- Neither project describes its config format in detail. opencode points to its online docs for configuration and agent details, and Claude Code documents a plugin system for custom commands and agents. Installation is a single command for both.
- Does either tool have a desktop app or IDE support?
- opencode offers a beta desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux. Claude Code documents use in IDEs and through GitHub @claude mentions, but no desktop app.