# Cline vs Roo Code vs Continue 2026: Open-Source AI Coding Agents Compared

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/blog/cline-roo-code-continue-acik-kaynak-agent
> Updated: 2026-05-13T21:01:14.832Z
> Type: blog
> Category: yapay-zeka
**TLDR:** Detailed head-to-head of three main open-source AI coding plugins: Cline (formerly Claude Dev, most popular open-source agent), Roo Code (Cline fork, more flexible), Continue (most mature open-source plugin). VS Code/JetBrains compatibility, BYO API key (Claude/GPT/Gemini/local Ollama), MCP integration, pricing (FREE plugin + API cost), practical use for Turkish developers, KVKK + self-host advantages, 10-scenario decision guide.

<tldr data-summary="[&#34;2024-2026 saw open-source AI coding plugins rise — user supplies API key (Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, Together AI, Ollama local), plugin is free. Three leaders: Cline, Roo Code, Continue.&#34;,&#34;Cline (formerly Claude Dev): 30K+ GitHub stars, most popular OSS coding agent. VS Code extension. Plan/Act mode, MCP-native, terminal integration, file edit, browser use. BYO API key.&#34;,&#34;Roo Code: fork of Cline, more flexible with Custom Modes (Architect, Code, Debug, Ask). 12K+ stars, faster community PRs.&#34;,&#34;Continue: most mature OSS plugin (since 2023). Full VS Code + JetBrains support. Multi-model, custom slash commands, codebase indexing. 22K+ stars.&#34;,&#34;Shared advantage: FREE plugin + BYO API key = full cost control. Heavy Anthropic Sonnet 4.6 use ~$50-150/mo (can exceed Cursor Pro $20 subscription).&#34;,&#34;KVKK critical: Cline + Ollama local model = FULLY LOCAL AI coding. Data never leaves the company. 100% KVKK compliant. DeepSeek V3 local + Cline = leader.&#34;,&#34;Recommendation: solo wanting to avoid Cursor/Copilot — Cline or Roo Code; JetBrains user — Continue; KVKK-critical + local model — Cline + Ollama.&#34;]" data-one-line="Cline is the most popular OSS agent, Roo Code is the flexible fork, Continue is the mature JetBrains-compatible plugin — free plugin + BYO API key + local Ollama supports give full cost and KVKK control."></tldr>

## 1. Introduction

2024-2026 saw open-source AI coding plugins rise alongside premium tools (Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf). Three advantages: free plugin, transparency, local model support.

## 2. Overview

<comparison-table data-caption="Three Plugins" data-headers="[&#34;Dimension&#34;,&#34;Cline&#34;,&#34;Roo Code&#34;,&#34;Continue&#34;]" data-rows="[{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;GitHub stars&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;30K+&#34;,&#34;12K+&#34;,&#34;22K+&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;License&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;Apache 2.0&#34;,&#34;Apache 2.0&#34;,&#34;Apache 2.0&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;IDE&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;VS Code&#34;,&#34;VS Code&#34;,&#34;VS Code + JetBrains&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;Plan/Act mode&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;Yes&#34;,&#34;Custom Modes&#34;,&#34;Limited&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;MCP&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;Native/leader&#34;,&#34;Native&#34;,&#34;Yes&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;Browser use&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;Yes&#34;,&#34;Yes&#34;,&#34;No&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;Inline tab&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;No&#34;,&#34;No&#34;,&#34;Yes&#34;]},{&#34;feature&#34;:&#34;Best for&#34;,&#34;values&#34;:[&#34;Multi-step agentic&#34;,&#34;Custom roles&#34;,&#34;Daily IDE assistant&#34;]}]"></comparison-table>

## 3. Strengths

- **Cline:** most popular OSS agent, widest MCP ecosystem (OSS), Plan/Act mode, rich tool set
- **Roo Code:** Cline fork with Custom Modes (Architect/Code/Debug/Ask), faster community iteration
- **Continue:** JetBrains support (only OSS option), inline completion + chat, custom slash commands

## 4. Cost vs Subscription

Heavy Anthropic Sonnet usage may exceed Cursor's $20/mo. Light usage with DeepSeek V3 (~$0.27/$1.10 per 1M token) or local Ollama ($0) is cheaper.

## 5. Local Ollama + Cline = 100% KVKK Compliance

For Turkish banks, defense, healthcare: Cline + Ollama + DeepSeek V3 / Qwen local. Data never leaves the company. Hardware investment amortized in 6 months.

## 6. Scenarios

- Solo light: Cline + Claude Sonnet ($40/mo)
- Solo heavy: Cursor Pro ($20)
- KVKK-critical: Cline + Ollama local
- JetBrains: Continue (only option)
- Budget student: Continue + Gemini Flash or Cline + Ollama

## 7. Conclusion

Open-source plugins are mature in 2026. BYO API key + local Ollama give full cost and KVKK control. Hybrid is strongest: Continue (JetBrains inline) + Cline (VS Code agentic) + local Ollama for sensitive work.