Draft sample comparison
Aider vs Cline
Two open-source coding agents that work with the model you choose. Aider pairs with you in the terminal. Cline works inside VS Code.
Reviewed
Draft sample copy for layout testing. Claims come from vendor documentation and have not been checked hands-on yet.
What matters for your decision
Where you use it
Aider runs in your terminal next to any editor. Cline is a VS Code extension with its own panel.
How changes land
Aider commits each change to git with a clear message. Cline shows each edit and command and waits for your OK.
Your own model
Both connect to many model providers, including local models, with your own API keys.
Side by side
Aider vs Cline, side by side
Basics
| What you need | Aider | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| License | Supported Open source under Apache 2.0.[1] | Supported Open source under Apache 2.0.[2] |
| Where it runs | Different approach In your terminal, alongside any editor. | Different approach Inside VS Code, as an extension. |
| Git | Supported Commits each change with a descriptive message.[3] | Limited Works in your repo. Commits are up to you. |
| Approvals | Limited Applies edits directly and relies on git to undo them. | Supported Asks before each file change and terminal command by default.[4] |
| Model choice | Supported Works with many providers and local models. | Supported Works with many providers and local models. |
What it costs
Aider
Free and open source. You pay your model provider.
Cline
Free and open source. You pay your model provider.
Your real cost is model usage, which depends on the provider and model you pick and how long your tasks run.
Which one fits you
Choose Aider if…
You live in the terminal and like every change landing as its own git commit.
Choose Cline if…
You work in VS Code and want to approve each step before it runs.
Open source either way.
Both are free to try. Point them at the same repo and keep the one that matches how you like to review changes.