Cline vs OpenHands
Two of the most-asked-about agents in the coding space. Here's how they actually stack up.
Cline
Open-source autonomous coding agent that runs in VS Code with full visibility
Free
Read full review →OpenHands
Open-source autonomous coding agent and credible Devin alternative
Free
Read full review →Side-by-side comparison
| Cline | OpenHands | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Open-source autonomous coding agent that runs in VS Code with full visibility | Open-source autonomous coding agent and credible Devin alternative |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Categories | coding, vscode-extension, autonomous | coding, autonomous, open-source |
| Made by | Cline | All Hands AI |
| Launched | 2024-07 | 2024-03 |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Linux, Windows (via Docker) |
| Status | active | active |
Cline highlights
- + Step-by-step transparency with explicit approval for every file write and command
- + Bring-your-own-key support for Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Mistral, and local models
- + MCP (Model Context Protocol) client for connecting custom tools and data sources
- + Browser and computer use for web research and UI testing
- + Plan mode for reviewing the agent's strategy before it touches a single file
OpenHands highlights
- + Sandboxed Docker execution with full browser, shell, and file access
- + CodeAct architecture that translates agent decisions into real shell commands
- + Bring-your-own-model support for Claude, GPT-5, Gemini, and any LiteLLM provider
- + Multi-agent orchestration with specialized microagents for browsing and research
- + Web UI, CLI, and headless modes for interactive and automated workflows
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cline or OpenHands?
Neither is universally better. Cline (Free) leans into coding, while OpenHands (Free) is closer to coding. Pick based on which workflow you actually do every day.
What is the price difference between Cline and OpenHands?
Cline is free. OpenHands is free. See the pricing row in the comparison table.
Can I use Cline and OpenHands together?
In most cases, yes. They serve overlapping but distinct needs, so running them side by side is common until you decide which fits your workflow.