The tool is free. The model usage is the bill. Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension and a CLI. The extension is free for individual developers and there is no subscription: you pay for AI inference on a usage basis, either with your own API keys from providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google or through the Cline provider at cost. The pricing page lists an MCP Marketplace, multi-root workspaces and community support on the free tier, and puts the JetBrains extension, SSO and dedicated support on Enterprise. Reddit threads praise the transparency and control of an open-source tool, and also ask why it costs so much once token bills arrive.
Free tier quotas
Tool cost
Free for individual developers. The extension is open source
Inference
You pay for AI inference on a usage basis, at cost through Cline or with your own API keys
Interfaces
VS Code extension and CLI
Extras
MCP Marketplace and multi-root workspaces
Support
Community support
Not in the free tier
JetBrains extension, SSO, SLA, dedicated support and centralized billing are Enterprise
Last sniffed Oct 11, 2026. Always confirm on the official pricing page.
👍 Good boy
+No subscription or seat fee for the open-source extension, per the pricing page. You pay only for the model usage.
+Bring your own keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others, so you control cost and model choice.
+A r/ExperiencedDevs poster picked Cline over Cursor for transparency and control because it is open source.
+A r/ChatGPTCoding poster who compared Cursor and Cline after 3 months described routing Cline through a GitHub Copilot subscription to keep costs low (a 2025 post, so check current terms).
+The pricing FAQ says there is no vendor lock-in and you can switch providers or self-host.
👎 Watch out
−Costs are variable. A r/ChatGPTCoding thread asks why anyone uses Cline when it costs so much.
−You need an API key or provider account, which is a barrier for a non-developer.
−A r/ArtificialInteligence poster said Cline handles multiple files well but uses significant resources.
−A r/CLine poster said Cline is faster but hard to beat on simplicity and economy compared with a Copilot plan.
−The JetBrains extension is listed under Enterprise, so the free tier is VS Code and CLI.
−A r/CLine poster who switched to Claude Code said cost was not a factor for them, so the thread favors a different tool for heavy daily use.
The catch
The tool is free but the model is not. Every request goes to a provider you pay, so a long agent session on a large project can cost real money. Set a budget with your provider before you start.
You need an API key or a Cline account with credits. For a non-developer this is more setup than a hosted builder.
The JetBrains extension is listed as an Enterprise feature on the pricing page.
The pricing page does not state commercial-use terms or a card requirement, so both are left as unknown.
What’s included
✓VS Code extension
✓CLI
✓Plan and Act modes
✓MCP Marketplace
✓Multi-root workspaces
✓Bring your own API keys
✓Supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, OpenRouter, Bedrock and Vertex
✓Client-side architecture
✓Open source
Free tier value
Generosity
B
Estimated value
A free open-source agent. You pay only for model usage
Feature parity
Open Source: VS Code extension, CLI, MCP Marketplace, inference at cost or bring your own key.
Screenshots
Cline homepageCline pricing page
Paid plans
Inference usage, pay as you go
You pay for model usage either with your own API keys or through the Cline provider at cost. There is no subscription for individuals.
Enterprise, custom
JetBrains extension, SSO, SLA, dedicated support, centralized billing, role-based access control, authentication logs and a team dashboard.
Common questions
Is Cline free?
The open-source extension is free for individual developers. You pay for AI inference on a usage basis.
Can I use my own API keys?
Yes. The FAQ says you can bring keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and other providers.
When do I need Enterprise?
For team features such as the JetBrains extension, centralized billing, RBAC, SSO and audit logs.
Is there vendor lock-in?
The FAQ says no. Cline is open source and supports many providers.
Change history
Checked October 22, 2026
Pricing read from the Cline pricing page. Review evidence from Reddit search excerpts. Commercial use and card requirement left as unknown.
