[EP2] OpenCode vs Claude Code - Complete Base Layer Comparison

Analysis Overview

1. Basic Overview Comparison

2. January 2026 Latest Trends: OpenCode's Rapid Pivot

2.1 Anthropic's Third-Party Tool Blocking

"This credential is only authorized for use with Claude Code
and cannot be used for other API requests."

2.2 OpenCode's OpenAI Cooperation Response

OpenCode ChatGPT Integration Announcement

# OpenCode v1.1.11 - ChatGPT Subscription Integration
opencode /connect

2.3 Market Restructuring Implications

• OpenCode: Breaks free from Anthropic dependency and establishes cooperation with OpenAI
• Claude Code: Reinforces Anthropic's exclusive position
• oh-my-opencode: Cannot use Claude subscription-based approach (ToS violation + technical blocking)

3. Technical Features Comparison

3.1 Context Management Capability

"Claude Code's secret sauce isn't so secret after all. The ability to 'maintain the full story' in complex tasks is key."

3.2 OpenCode's Current Limitations

1. Copy/Paste Inadequacy: The feature to copy code generated in conversations to clipboard is incomplete
2. Request Queuing Not Supported: Lacks functionality to process multiple requests sequentially
3. Unauthorized Formatting Bug: Unintentional reformatting of existing code (mitigation attempted with AGENT.md)

4. 2026 Latest Test Results

4.1 Code Generation Quality

4.2 Analysis by Combination

• Strengths: Generates the most accurate code among test subjects. Accurately grasps existing codebase patterns and outputs code requiring minimal modification.
• Weaknesses: Monthly subscription cost of $17-100 incurred.

• Strengths: Generates code of similar quality to Claude Code.
• Weaknesses: Direct API billing may incur approximately 5x the cost compared to subscription.

• Strengths: Can utilize existing ChatGPT Plus/Pro subscriptions as-is. Easily integrates with /connect command.
• Weaknesses: Code quality may be somewhat lower compared to Claude. Additional prompt tuning required.

• Strengths: Can utilize Google API free tier. Generates code optimized for UI development.
• Weaknesses: High frequency of hallucination occurrence. May generate non-existent APIs or duplicate code.

5. Cost Structure Analysis

5.1 OpenCode Cost Structure

OpenCode Actual Cost (as of January 2026)
├── Software: $0 (free)
├── ChatGPT Plus/Pro: $20-200/month (utilize existing subscription)
├── Direct API Billing Options
│   ├── Anthropic API: Per-token billing
│   ├── OpenAI API: Subscription plan or per-token billing
│   └── Google API: Free tier + paid
└── Advantages
    ├── Provider switching possible (cost optimization)
    ├── Reuse existing subscriptions
    └── Volume discount negotiation possible

5.2 Claude Code Cost Structure

Claude Code Cost
├── Pro Plan: $17/month
├── Max Plan: $100~$200/month
├── Additional API Usage: Separate billing
└── Advantages
    ├── Integrated experience
    ├── Official support
    └── Optimized performance

5.3 Cost Efficiency Analysis

6. Key Differentiators

6.1 OpenCode's Philosophy: Flexibility and Freedom

• Multi-Model Support: 75+ LLMs + ChatGPT Plus/Pro integration
• Customizing: Free modification possible due to open-source nature
• Cost Optimization: Can switch to cheaper models as needed
• Vendor Independence: Not dependent on specific providers

6.2 Claude Code's Philosophy: Integration and Optimization

• Consistent Experience: Provides UX optimized for a single model
• Official Support: Direct technical support from Anthropic
• Stability: Guarantees consistent operation in verified environment
• ToS Compliance: No account risk as official tool

7. Selection Guide

When OpenCode is Suitable

1. Developers wanting to experiment with various models: Suitable when wanting to test and compare GPT, Claude, Gemini, local models, etc.
2. When wanting to utilize existing ChatGPT subscription: Can reuse existing subscriptions with v1.1.11's /connect feature
3. When cost optimization is important: Can reduce costs by switching models according to situation
4. When wanting to avoid vendor lock-in: Suitable when desiring a flexible structure not dependent on specific providers

When Claude Code is Suitable

1. When stability and consistency are important: Suitable when wanting predictable results in a verified environment
2. When wanting to maximize Claude model strengths: Can utilize Claude-specific features like Thinking Mode, Subagent
3. When official support is needed: Suitable when technical support and SLA are needed in enterprise environments
4. When concerned about ToS violations: No account suspension risk as official tool

Next Episode Preview

• oh-my-opencode: Pros and cons of the agent system extending OpenCode
• MoAI-ADK: Agentic Development Kit extending Claude Code
• Impact of ToS compliance issues and Anthropic's technical restrictions in January 2026 on each tool

References