What is Roo Code?
Roo Code is an open-source VS Code extension, forked from Cline, that offers customisable modes such as Architect, Code and Debug. It works with any model provider and supports MCP tools.
Best for: Power users, Open-source developers.
Key features
- Custom modes
- Bring your own model
- MCP support
- Orchestrator mode
- Cloud agents
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highly customisable
- Free and open-source
- Active community
Cons
- Configuration can be overwhelming
- API costs are on you
Roo Code pricing
| Pricing model | Open source |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | VS Code |
| Launched | 2024 |
Prices change often. Check the Roo Code website for current plans.
Our verdict
Roo Code scores 7.9/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: highly customisable. The main drawback: configuration can be overwhelming. If it isn't the right fit, ChatGPT is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Roo Code?
Roo Code is an open-source VS Code extension, forked from Cline, that offers customisable modes such as Architect, Code and Debug. It works with any model provider and supports MCP tools.
Is Roo Code free?
Yes. Roo Code is open source and free to use.
What are the best Roo Code alternatives?
Popular alternatives include ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code.
Who is Roo Code best for?
Roo Code is best for power users, open-source developers.