Cline Review March 2026: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons
Updated March 2026 · 10 min read · By PopularAiTools.ai
TL;DR
Cline is an open-source autonomous AI coding agent that works as a VS Code extension, capable of creating and editing files, running terminal commands, and utilizing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to extend its capabilities. Cline brings AI coding directly into your IDE with Plan/Act modes, supporting API providers like OpenRouter, Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini, AWS Bedrock, and local models through Ollama. The agent can browse the web, execute commands, and build complete features with your permission at every step. Cline has rapidly become one of the most popular open-source AI coding tools. Pricing model: Freemium. Rating: 4.6/5
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source autonomous AI coding agent that works as a VS Code extension, capable of creating and editing files, running terminal commands, and utilizing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to extend its capabilities. Cline brings AI coding directly into your IDE with Plan/Act modes, supporting API providers like OpenRouter, Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini, AWS Bedrock, and local models through Ollama. The agent can browse the web, execute commands, and build complete features with your permission at every step. Cline has rapidly become one of the most popular open-source AI coding tools.
Who Should Use Cline?
- Developers wanting autonomous AI coding in VS Code
- Teams needing flexible AI provider choices
- Open-source projects with community-driven AI tools
- Developers building MCP-integrated workflows
- Anyone wanting AI coding without subscription lock-in
Key Features
1. Autonomous Coding Agent
Create and edit files, run terminal commands, and build features autonomously with your permission at every step.
2. MCP Integration
Extend capabilities through Model Context Protocol for connecting to external tools and data sources.
3. Multi-Provider Support
Use OpenRouter, Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini, AWS Bedrock, or local models through Ollama.
4. Plan/Act Modes
Plan mode outlines the approach before acting. Act mode executes changes with step-by-step approval.
5. Browser Integration
Browse the web, read documentation, and research solutions as part of the coding workflow.
6. VS Code Extension
Works directly in VS Code as a natural part of your development environment.
How to Use Cline
Step 1: Sign Up or Install
Visit the official Cline website and create your account or download the application. Most plans offer a free trial or free tier so you can explore the platform before committing.
Step 2: Configure Your Workspace
Set up your workspace according to your needs. Cline provides onboarding guides or tutorials to help you get started quickly with the core features.
Step 3: Explore Core Features
Start using the main capabilities of Cline. Take advantage of any templates, presets, or quick-start options to accelerate your workflow and see results faster.
Step 4: Integrate with Your Stack
Connect Cline with your existing tools and workflows. Check for available integrations with popular platforms and APIs to maximize productivity.
Step 5: Scale and Optimize
As you become more familiar with Cline, explore advanced features and settings. Monitor your usage and results to optimize your workflow and determine if upgrading makes sense.
Pricing Plans
The core Cline extension is free and open-source. You pay only for AI inference through your chosen provider. Team plans available at $20/month per seat after free trial.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓ Free and open-source core extension
- ✓ Autonomous capability with human approval at each step
- ✓ MCP integration extends to any tool
- ✓ Multi-provider flexibility avoids vendor lock-in
- ✓ Plan mode prevents unwanted changes
- ✓ Massive open-source community and ecosystem
Cons
- ✗ Inference costs can add up with heavy use
- ✗ Autonomous actions require careful review
- ✗ Quality depends on the AI model used
- ✗ Complex tasks may need multiple iterations
- ✗ Resource intensive with large codebases
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Final Verdict: Is Cline Worth It?
Cline has become the leading open-source AI coding agent by combining autonomous capability with human-in-the-loop safety. The MCP integration makes it infinitely extensible, and multi-provider support gives developers complete flexibility. For developers who want powerful AI coding assistance without vendor lock-in or subscription costs beyond inference, Cline is the top choice. The open-source community continues to drive rapid improvement.
Our Rating: 4.6 / 5
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Submit Your AI Tool →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cline free?
The core extension is free and open-source. You pay only for AI model inference through your chosen API provider.
What models can I use with Cline?
Cline supports OpenRouter, Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini, AWS Bedrock, Azure, and local models via Ollama.
Does Cline make changes without my permission?
No, Cline asks for permission at every step. Plan mode lets you review the approach before any changes are made.
What is MCP in Cline?
Model Context Protocol lets Cline connect to external tools and data sources, extending its capabilities beyond code editing.
Can Cline run terminal commands?
Yes, Cline can execute terminal commands as part of its autonomous workflow, with your approval.
Is Cline available outside VS Code?
Cline is primarily a VS Code extension. Check the project for support in other editors.
How does Cline compare to Cursor?
Cursor is a standalone editor with AI built in. Cline is an extension for VS Code. Both offer autonomous AI coding with different approaches.
Can I use Cline with local models?
Yes, connect to local models through Ollama or LM Studio for fully private AI coding assistance.
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