Aider vs OpenCode
A Git-native terminal pair programmer, now in maintenance mode, versus an actively developed agentic terminal TUI.
Updated August 28, 2026 · Independent comparison — Aider, OpenCode are separate products.
Aider
Git-native AI pair programmer in the terminal
Aider is a free, open-source (Apache-2.0) AI pair programmer that runs in the terminal and edits code directly in your local Git repository. It is model-agnostic and bring-your-own-key — point it at OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint, including local models via Ollama or LM Studio — and it auto-commits each change as a discrete Git commit with a generated message. Aider is in maintenance mode, with no feature release in about a year (a third-party characterization), but it remains fully usable and is still regarded as the best pure git-diff pair programmer; it has no parallel-session support. It maps your whole repo for context, supports 100+ languages, and adds in-chat slash commands (/add, /read, /run, /ask, /git), an architect/editor model split, voice-to-code, and a watch mode that reacts to in-file comments, plus scripting via the command line or a Python API.
OpenCode
Open-source terminal-first coding agent
OpenCode is an open-source (MIT), terminal-first AI coding agent centered on a fast, keyboard-driven TUI, with editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed. It is provider-agnostic and connects to 75+ model providers via Models.dev with bring-your-own-key billing, plus first-party gateways — GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT logins, the OpenCode Zen pay-as-you-go catalog, and a flat-rate OpenCode Go subscription ($5 the first month, then $10/month) for curated open coding models. It offers Plan and Build modes (toggle with Tab), built-in LSP, MCP, custom subagents, and shareable sessions. Because it is open source and actively developed, teams can audit and extend the harness itself.
Bottom line
A Git-native terminal pair programmer, now in maintenance mode, versus an actively developed agentic terminal TUI. Choose Aider if you want a lightweight, Git-native pair programmer that commits every change atomically; choose OpenCode if you want a fuller autonomous agent with Plan/Build modes and built-in LSP.
Pricing & Plans
| Feature | Aider | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Client license | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source (MIT) |
| Cost to run | Free (BYOK only) | Free (BYOK) |
| Managed model subscription | ✗ | OpenCode Go $10/month |
| API / usage billing | Any provider (BYOK) | Any of 75+ providers (BYOK) |
| Account required | ✗ | Only for Go / Zen |
Models & Providers
| Feature | Aider | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Model choice | Any model via BYOK | Any model across 75+ providers |
| Local models (Ollama) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Architect + editor model split | ✓ | ✗ |
| Curated model catalog | ✗ | OpenCode Zen |
| In-session model switching | ✓ | ✓ |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Aider | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Terminal chat REPL | Terminal TUI |
| Plan / review step | Architect mode | Plan / Build modes (Tab) |
| Autonomy | Pair-programming loop (you drive) | Autonomous agent loop |
| Parallel sessions | ✗ | Custom agents / subagents |
| MCP support | Not stated | ✓ |
| LSP diagnostics | Via lint / test hooks | Built-in LSP |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Aider | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Git integration | Auto-commit per change | Via shell / manual |
| In-chat commands | /add, /read, /run, /ask, /git | Slash commands + /share |
| Voice-to-code | ✓ | Not stated |
| Watch mode (in-file comments) | ✓ | Not stated |
| Scriptable / headless | CLI + Python API | ✓ |
| IDE integration | Watch mode (any editor) | VS Code, Cursor, Zed extensions |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Aider | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Local OS support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL) |
| Source availability | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source (MIT) |
| Development status | Maintenance mode (no feature release in ~a year) | Actively developed |
| Standout feature | Git-native atomic commits + repo map | 75+ providers + agentic TUI |
| Managed subscription | ✗ | OpenCode Go |
| Best fit | Lightweight Git-first pair programming | Full agentic terminal workspace |
The Verdict
Choose Aider if...
- ✓You want a lightweight, Git-native pair programmer that commits every change atomically.
- ✓You want to bring your own key for any model, including local ones, with no account.
- ✓You value the architect/editor model split to control cost and quality.
- ✓You like a simple chat REPL with /commands, voice input, and watch mode.
- ✓You want to script the tool via the command line or a Python API.
Choose OpenCode if...
- ✓You want a fuller autonomous agent with Plan/Build modes and built-in LSP.
- ✓You need MCP, custom subagents, and shareable sessions.
- ✓You want to reach 75+ providers, optionally with OpenCode Go's flat-rate open models.
- ✓You prefer a fast keyboard TUI plus editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed.
- ✓You want an agent that runs multi-step tasks more autonomously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Aider and OpenCode?
Aider is a free, open-source (Apache-2.0) AI pair programmer that runs in the terminal and edits code directly in your local Git repository. OpenCode is an open-source (MIT), terminal-first AI coding agent centered on a fast, keyboard-driven TUI, with editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed.
How much do Aider and OpenCode cost?
Aider: Open source (Apache-2.0). OpenCode: Open source (MIT). See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Aider or OpenCode?
Choose Aider if you want a lightweight, Git-native pair programmer that commits every change atomically. Choose OpenCode if you want a fuller autonomous agent with Plan/Build modes and built-in LSP.
1DevToolRun both — and more
Torn between Aider and OpenCode? 1DevTool is a multi-agent workspace that runs Aider, OpenCode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, and Cline side by side in persistent terminals — bring your own keys, no lock-in. It adds a built-in HTTP client, 13-engine database client, and embedded browser, all wired into Send-to-AI. One-time $29, no subscription.