Compare them on one task, then keep both
Try the same task in both
Give opencode and Claude Code the same task you already know the answer to, such as a review of your current branch, and compare the diffs, the cost under each plan and the time taken.
Open Reason on the web or the Mac app
Sign in at reasonmachines.com, or download the Reason Mac app for macOS from reasonmachines.com/download and sign in there. Both open the same Sessions.
Carry on in Reason when one runs out
Push the branch, then tell Reason in the composer what is done and what is next. Reason runs on the model accounts you connect in Settings › Models, such as ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot, so a task keeps moving while a limit resets.
opencode and Claude Code side by side
| opencode | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Not open source; Anthropic's Commercial Terms |
| Models | 75+ providers through the AI SDK and Models.dev, plus local models | Claude models; Anthropic doesn't support routing it to non-Claude models |
| Subscriptions | ChatGPT Plus, GitHub Copilot and GitLab Duo with zero setup; not Claude Pro or Max | Claude Pro, Max, Ultra, Team or Enterprise |
| Local models | Yes, including Ollama at localhost:11434 | Documented by Ollama, not supported by Anthropic |
| Cost | Free; optional OpenCode Go from $10 a month for hosted open models | From $20 a month (Pro), or API rates through a Console account |
| Install | opencode's installer, from opencode.ai | Anthropic's native installer, from claude.com |
opencode now ships OpenCode 1 and OpenCode 2, which both use the opencode command and can't be installed side by side; check its docs for the version you want.
Honest tradeoffs
opencode gives you model choice and an open codebase, and costs nothing if you bring a provider or a local model, but you manage keys, providers and model quality yourself. Claude Code is one vendor's integrated product: it works with your Claude plan out of the box, but it is closed source, tied to Claude models, and limited by your plan's five-hour and weekly limits.
Questions
Is opencode free?
Yes. opencode is MIT-licensed and free to use; you pay your model provider, or nothing with a local model. OpenCode Go is an optional subscription.
Can opencode use my Claude Pro or Max plan?
No. Anthropic prohibits third-party tools from using Claude plan credentials, and opencode removed its Claude Pro/Max plugins in 1.3.0. An Anthropic API key works.
Can I keep using both?
Yes. Many people keep one for model choice and the other for Claude, and carry a task on in Reason's web or Mac app when either runs out of usage.