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If Claude Code is expensive or hard to access for you, try OpenCode

OpenCode, an open-source AI coding agent, offers a free alternative to Claude Code. It works in the terminal, desktop, and as a VS Code extension, supporting free models with daily usage limits and custom API keys.

read1 min views1 publishedJul 30, 2026

If Claude Code is expensive or hard to access for you, try OpenCode.

It’s an open-source AI coding agent that works in the terminal, desktop, and as a VS Code extension.

Free models available:

These free models work well for most daily coding tasks. Note: They have daily usage limits (they reset every day).

How to install (Windows):

First, make sure Node.js is installed on your system.

Then run:

npm install -g opencode-ai

After installation, run:

opencode

You can also install the VS Code extension for a smoother experience.

OpenCode lets you use free models or connect any API key you want. It’s flexible, open-source, and a solid alternative to Claude Code.

I tested it myself. Setup is easy and the free models are usable for real work.

Link: https://opencode.ai/

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