About Cline

Cline is an open-source, Apache 2.0-licensed autonomous coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension. It targets developers who want a capable AI coding partner without giving up decision-making power: you can bring your own API keys and pay model providers directly per token, or use Cline's centrally-billed inference credits at no markup. The core tool is free, with team features priced at $20 per user per month and the first 10 seats permanently free. Cline is built around transparency, showing diffs and reasoning clearly, appealing to developers comfortable configuring their own workflow rather than accepting a fully opinionated, closed experience.

Key features

Bring your own API key

Pay model providers directly with no markup, or use Cline credits

Transparent diffs

Shows exactly what it plans to change before applying edits

Open source

Apache 2.0 licensed, fully auditable codebase

VS Code native

Runs as an extension rather than requiring a separate editor

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

Free and open-source core with no forced subscription for individual use

Full model flexibility with no markup when bringing your own API key

Transparent diff-based workflow gives developers clear control over changes

First 10 team seats permanently free makes small-team adoption low-risk

✗ Cons

Requires comfort configuring API keys and understanding diffs, less turnkey than hosted competitors

Team features pricing only recently introduced, still maturing

Less polished onboarding experience than well-funded closed competitors

Smaller support infrastructure than enterprise-backed alternatives

Best for

Developers wanting control and transparency over AI-assisted codingTeams comfortable configuring their own API keys and modelsBudget-conscious developers avoiding markup on model usageSmall teams testing agentic coding at low cost

Why this score

VS Code agentic coding extension gaining rapid open-source community traction

G2 4.6/5. VS Code agentic extension rapid growth.