Head-to-head comparison
Roo CodevsCline
Roo Code began as a fork of Cline, so the two open-source VS Code agents share a core: bring your own API key, read and edit files, run commands, use MCP servers. Cline stays simpler and closer to the original design. Roo adds modes with per-mode models and instructions, plus more customisation for power users.
At a glance
| Roo Code | Cline | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Function | Open-source agent | AI agent |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free (BYO API key) | Free (BYO API key) |
| Editor rating | — | 4.5 / 5 |
| Released | December 2024 | July 2024 |
Roo Code
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
Cline
Pros
- No subscription — you pay your API directly
- Open source — fully auditable
- Plan/Act split makes it safer than alternatives
Cons
- You pay API costs directly (can add up)
- Less polished than Cursor
- Requires existing API key
Which one should you pick?
Pick Roo Code if
You want to constrain the agent by mode (Architect for planning, Code for changes, Ask for questions), use different models per task, or tune behaviour heavily.
See Roo Code details →Pick Cline if
You want the simplest, most widely used open agent, prefer fewer settings, or want the larger community and the reference implementation.
See Cline details →Bottom line
Cline for simplicity. Roo Code for control. Both are free with your own key, so the choice is about how much you want to configure.