Goose vs OpenCode
A general-purpose MCP-native agent versus a coding-focused terminal agent — compared across models, extensions, and automation.
Updated August 28, 2026 · Independent comparison — Goose, OpenCode are separate products.
Goose
Block's open-source, MCP-native local AI agent
Goose is an open-source AI agent originally built by Block and now stewarded by the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation. Written in Rust and released under Apache 2.0, it ships a desktop app, a CLI, and an API surface, and runs across 15+ model providers — via API keys, or via Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini subscriptions through ACP — including Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, and local models via Ollama. Goose is MCP-native, extending through 70+ MCP extensions with official servers for GitHub, PostgreSQL, Slack, and Jira. It adds Recipes — shareable YAML task templates that also run headless in CI — plus subagents for parallel work, making it a general-purpose agent that reaches well beyond coding.
OpenCode
Anomaly's terminal-first open-source coding agent
OpenCode is an MIT-licensed, terminal-first coding agent maintained by Anomaly, with a polished TUI plus a desktop app and editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed. It supports 75+ model providers and BYOK, with an optional OpenCode Zen model gateway and the $10/month OpenCode Go open-weight subscription. It has Plan and Build modes (toggled with Tab), subagents invoked with @, LSP and MCP support, a plugin and skills system, and headless automation via opencode run plus an opencode serve HTTP server and optional web UI. It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows (WSL recommended).
Bottom line
A general-purpose MCP-native agent versus a coding-focused terminal agent — compared across models, extensions, and automation. Choose Goose if you want an Apache-2.0 agent backed by the Agentic AI Foundation; choose OpenCode if you want a terminal-first coding agent with Plan/Build modes.
License & Project
| Feature | Goose | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache 2.0 | MIT |
| Steward | Block → Agentic AI Foundation (Linux Foundation) | Anomaly |
| Language | Rust | TypeScript |
| Cost | Free (BYOK) | Free (BYOK); optional Zen / Go |
Where It Runs
| Feature | Goose | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | ✓ | Not stated |
| CLI / terminal | ✓ | Terminal TUI |
| IDE extensions | Not stated | VS Code, Cursor, Zed |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL) |
Models & Providers
| Feature | Goose | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Provider reach | 15+ (Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, Ollama…) | 75+ providers (via Models.dev) |
| Bring-your-own key | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local models (Ollama) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subscription access | Claude / ChatGPT / Gemini via ACP | OpenCode Zen + Go ($10/mo) |
Extensions & MCP
| Feature | Goose | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prebuilt extensions / servers | 70+ MCP extensions | Add any MCP server |
| Subagents / parallel work | Subagents | Subagents (@) |
| Custom skills / agents | ✓ | ✓ |
| LSP awareness | Via extensions | ✓ |
Automation & Scope
| Feature | Goose | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Headless run | goose run | opencode run |
| Reusable task templates | Recipes (YAML) | Custom agents / commands |
| HTTP server / API | API surface | opencode serve (HTTP) |
| Plan mode | Not stated | Plan / Build (Tab) |
| Scope | General-purpose agent (beyond coding) | Coding-focused agent |
The Verdict
Choose Goose if...
- ✓You want an Apache-2.0 agent backed by the Agentic AI Foundation.
- ✓You want MCP-native extensibility with 70+ ready-made extensions.
- ✓You want Recipes — shareable YAML task templates that also run headless in CI.
- ✓You want a general-purpose agent that goes beyond coding (data, ops, integrations).
- ✓You prefer a Rust runtime with both a desktop app and a CLI.
Choose OpenCode if...
- ✓You want a terminal-first coding agent with Plan/Build modes.
- ✓You want the widest provider reach (75+) and an optional managed model plan.
- ✓You want editor extensions (VS Code, Cursor, Zed) plus a headless HTTP server.
- ✓You want subagents, plugins, skills, and an optional web UI.
- ✓You want a coding-focused tool rather than a general assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Goose and OpenCode?
Goose is an open-source AI agent originally built by Block and now stewarded by the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation. OpenCode is an MIT-licensed, terminal-first coding agent maintained by Anomaly, with a polished TUI plus a desktop app and editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed.
Should I choose Goose or OpenCode?
Choose Goose if you want an Apache-2.0 agent backed by the Agentic AI Foundation. Choose OpenCode if you want a terminal-first coding agent with Plan/Build modes.
1DevToolOne workspace, many agents
Goose and OpenCode are both open source and MCP-native — the honest question is which fits your workflow, and often the answer is 'both, sometimes.' 1DevTool runs coding agents like OpenCode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, and Cline side by side in persistent terminals (Goose's CLI runs there too). Bring your own keys, no lock-in, plus a built-in HTTP client, 13-engine database client, and embedded browser wired into Send-to-AI. One-time $29, no subscription.