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Cline

Open-source AI coding agent with client-side execution and zero cloud dependency.

RANKED #3 · OPEN-SOURCE AI CODING AGENTSLISTERSCORE 88.0

Cline is an open-source, client-side AI coding agent that brings your own API keys. Code never leaves the developer's machine, offering maximum transparency, security, and control over the models used.

Pricing from	Free
Best for	Developers valuing security, transparency, and model control
Website	github.com/cline/cline

Company facts

Brand colour

#1e2327

Facilities and features

Published pricing
Self-serve sign-up
API
Integrations

What stands out

Cline edits code across your entire project structure.

“Cline reads your project structure, understands the relationships between files, and makes coordinated changes across your codebase.”Cline, own website

The AI tool works with every major AI model provider.

“Cline is not locked to a single AI provider.”Cline, own website

Worth knowing

Cline does not open-source its JetBrains plugins.

“Currently we are not open-sourcing JetBrains plugins”Cline, own website

Strengths and trade-offs

Complete transparency and control with open-source codebase
Maximum security with 100 per cent client-side operation and no data transmission

Requires knowledge of API configuration and key management
Less polished and mature compared to commercial alternatives with dedicated teams

Appears in

AIVERIFIED

How Cline ranks

#5 in Best AI coding agents

How the score is made up: Evidence on its own site 20; How complete its published information is 18; Fit to this ranking's criteria 40; Buying information on its own site 12.

“The open source coding agent in your IDE, terminal, & desktop.”Cline, own website

#3 in Open-source AI coding agents

How the score is made up: Evidence on its own site 20; How complete its published information is 16; Fit to this ranking's criteria 40; Buying information on its own site 12.

“Autonomous coding agent as an SDK, IDE extension, or CLI assistant.”Cline, own website

“The open source coding agent in your IDE, terminal, & desktop.”Cline, own website

Alternatives to Cline

Hyperlambda Build full stack apps and AI agents from plain English	#1 in Open-source AI coding agents	94.0
OpenHands The open platform for agentic software development	#2 in Open-source AI coding agents	90.0
Kilo One open agent for every developer workflow	#4 in Open-source AI coding agents	88.0
Holbox.ai The fastest way to build with AI	#5 in Open-source AI coding agents	84.0
Cline Bot The Open Agent Ship securely w/ Claude in VS Code	#6 in Open-source AI coding agents	82.0
Tabby Open-source, self-hosted AI coding assistant for developers	#7 in Open-source AI coding agents	82.0

Questions about Cline

How much does Cline cost?

Lister lists Cline's pricing as: Free.

Is Cline free?

Yes. Its pricing reads: Free.

Who is Cline best for?

Cline is best for developers valuing security, transparency, and model control.

Where does Cline rank?

Cline is ranked #3 in Open-source AI coding agents (Lister Score 88.0), #5 in Best AI coding agents (Lister Score 90.0) and #10 in Top 10 AI Coding Assistants (Lister Score 74.0).

What are the best alternatives to Cline?

The closest alternatives on Lister are Hyperlambda (#1 in Open-source AI coding agents), OpenHands (#2 in Open-source AI coding agents) and Kilo (#4 in Open-source AI coding agents).

Is this your company?

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