Roo Code
Open-source VS Code agent with switchable modes, bring your own model.
Visit Roo Code Free (BYO API key)
Quick verdict
- Best for
- Developers who want Cline with more structure
- Pricing
- Free (BYO API key)
- Not ideal if
- Cost control is on you — long agent runs can burn tokens fast
What is Roo Code?
Roo Code is a free, open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, forked from Cline, that adds modes (Code, Architect, Ask, Debug, and custom ones), per-mode model selection, and browser automation. You bring your own API key or point it at a local model.
Key features
- Multiple agent modes with custom instructions per mode
- Any provider: Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, Ollama
- Reads and edits files, runs terminal commands, drives a browser
- Checkpoints to roll back agent changes
- MCP servers for extra tools
Pros
- Modes make it easy to constrain what the agent may do
- Zero subscription; pay only your model provider
- Very active open-source community
Cons
- Cost control is on you — long agent runs can burn tokens fast
- Configuration-heavy compared with hosted tools
- Quality entirely dependent on the model you choose
Best for
Developers who want Cline with more structureTeams standardising on a self-hosted or chosen modelPower users who tune their agents
Read more
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