Cline
Open-source AI coding agent that can edit files and run terminal commands.
A free, open-source coding agent for developers who want AI to edit files and run terminal commands.
Independent analysis based on official public sources (pricing pages, documentation, release notes) — not a sponsored review or a hands-on test.
Overview
Open-source AI coding agent that can edit files and run terminal commands.
Cline is free to use.
It's a particularly good fit for coding app for developers, AI code editor.
Cline is one of 41 AI Coding tools tracked on ToolScanner. You can compare it side by side with alternatives, check verified monthly-billing prices, and add it to your AI stack to see what your whole setup costs.
Cline key features in practice
Agent mode
Cline supports an agentic workflow rather than only passive code completion.
File editing
The agent can edit files in the project.
Terminal command execution
The agent can run terminal commands as part of a coding task.
Open-source availability
Cline is positioned as an open-source AI coding agent and is listed as free to use.
Who is Cline for?
Developers who want an agentic coding workflow without a subscription fee
Cline is open source and listed as completely free to use, while its core workflow can edit project files and run terminal commands.
Developers evaluating AI help for repository-level tasks
Its agent mode is suited to tasks that require more than a single code suggestion, such as making edits and carrying out command-line steps.
Teams or individuals who want to inspect the tool before standardizing on it
The open-source positioning makes Cline a more transparent starting point than a closed, subscription-only coding assistant.
Cline pros and cons
Pros
- No subscription price listed
Cline is listed as completely free to use, making it an unusually low-commitment option for evaluating agentic coding.
- Acts on the working project
The agent can edit files and run terminal commands rather than being limited to chat or inline suggestions.
- Open-source positioning
Cline is presented as an open-source AI coding agent, a meaningful consideration for buyers who value inspectability and flexibility.
Cons
- Agent actions need oversight
File edits and terminal commands are powerful operations. Review proposed changes and commands before accepting them, particularly in production repositories.
- Not positioned as a full editor in the available product summary
Cline is described as a coding agent. Buyers choosing a primary AI-first editor should compare its surrounding editor workflow with dedicated editor products.
How people actually use Cline
Multi-step implementation work
Use Cline when a task requires coordinated code changes plus terminal activity, such as modifying files and running the relevant project commands.
Repository maintenance
Ask the agent to make targeted edits across a codebase, then review the resulting diff and command activity before merging.
Exploring agentic coding without subscription commitment
Adopt Cline for an initial agent workflow evaluation when a free, open-source option is the priority.
Is Cline right for you?
Good choice if
- you want to start free — a real free plan is verified
Pricing
Our take on Cline pricing
Cline is listed as completely free to use, with a starting price of $0 per month.
There is no free trial listed because the product itself has a free plan. Check Cline’s official pricing page for any current usage, provider, or deployment terms before rolling it out broadly.
What the Cline free plan includes
Cline has a free plan and is listed as completely free to use.
No time-limited free trial is listed.
How Cline differs from other tools
- vs Cursor
Cline’s clear differentiator is its $0 starting price and open-source positioning. Cursor is the stronger fit when an AI-first primary editor, multi-file refactors, and a dedicated agentic editor workflow are the deciding requirements.
Similar AI tools
Other tools in the same category.
High-performance code editor with built-in AI coding assistance.
AI-powered code editor with agentic coding workflows.
An AI-first code editor built for pair-programming with AI.
Best for AI-first coding as your primary editor
Self-hosted, open-source AI code completion assistant.
Open-source AI coding assistant for autocomplete and chat in your editor.
AI coding assistant with deep codebase-wide context and search.
When to choose a Cline alternative
Prefer Cursor when the team wants AI-first coding as its primary editor and specifically prioritizes multi-file refactors and integrated agentic workflows; its listed starting price is $20/month.
Compare with alternatives
Tips for getting more out of Cline
- Treat terminal execution as a review point: inspect commands and their expected side effects before approval.
- Review file diffs before committing, especially when an agent changes multiple files.
- Use small, well-scoped tasks first to establish an approval and review process for agent-generated changes.
- Confirm current terms on the official pricing page before making Cline part of a team-wide standard.
Sources & verification
- Official homepagecline.botChecked 2026-09-21
- Official pricingcline.botChecked 2026-09-21
- Official documentationcline.botChecked 2026-09-21
The factual claims above (pricing, plans, features, platforms, limits) were checked against these official sources on the dates shown. Vendors change plans at any time — always confirm on the official site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
Can Cline change code rather than only suggest it?
Yes. Cline is described as an AI coding agent that can edit files and run terminal commands.
Is Cline a paid subscription product?
Cline is listed as completely free to use, with a $0 monthly starting price. No free trial is listed.
What should developers review before accepting Cline’s work?
Review both the file changes and any terminal commands. Those capabilities are useful for multi-step work, but they can affect the repository and local environment.
When is Cursor a better choice than Cline?
Cursor is the better candidate when you want an AI-first editor as the primary development environment, particularly for multi-file refactors and integrated agentic workflows.
Is Cline free?
Yes — Cline is free to use.
How much does Cline cost?
Yes — Cline is free to use.
Does Cline offer a free trial?
No free trial is listed for Cline, but the free plan lets you try it without paying.
What is Cline used for?
Open-source AI coding agent that can edit files and run terminal commands. On ToolScanner, Cline is listed under AI Coding.
What are the best Cline alternatives?
Popular AI Coding alternatives include Zed, Windsurf, Cursor, Tabby, Continue. You can compare any of them with Cline side by side on ToolScanner.
Where can I check Cline's latest pricing?
On the official website — providers change prices and plans at any time, so always confirm there before purchasing. ToolScanner shows the monthly-billing price as of our last check (last verified 2026-08-25).