Cline
Cline
Open-source terminal and IDE coding agent where you bring your own model API key.
Our editorial assessment as of Jun 4, 2026, based on the public sources listed below.
Rank in Coding Assistant
#11
Tier
B
Score
67.0
Underlying model
—
Strengths
- Open-source agent with no vendor lock-in on the underlying model
- Pay only for model API usage, near-premium performance for a few dollars a month
- Listed among front-runner coding agents alongside Cursor and Claude Code
Considerations
- Requires your own API key and setup, less turnkey than hosted assistants
- Total cost depends on which model you connect, premium APIs add up
Price
Free tool; you pay for the connected model API
Score breakdown
Performance
70.0
Reputation
65.0
Price
80.0
Recency
80.0
Verification status
Each field carries its own re-verification date. Amber means older than 90 days — treat those figures as stale until re-checked.
Sources
- AI Coding Tools Pricing 2026 | IJONISAccessed: 2026-06-03
- AI coding tools 2026: complete guide | The AI CornerAccessed: 2026-06-03
- Best AI Coding Agents for 2026: Real-World Developer ReviewsAccessed: 2026-05-26
- Best AI Coding Tools for Developers in 2026Accessed: 2026-05-26