Comparison

Amp vs Roo Code

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

AmpRoo Code
MakerAmpRoo Code
LicenseProprietaryApache-2.0
ModelsSee vendor docsSee vendor docs
Runs inTerminal, IDEIDE
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACP?ACP: not yet verified?ACP: not yet verified

Key differences

  • Roo Code is open source (Apache-2.0); Amp is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
  • Amp also runs in Terminal.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

Amp

Frontier coding agent for terminal and editor. Co-created the AGENTS.md convention and supports Agent Skills.

Website

Roo Code

Open-source multi-mode coding agent for VS Code with custom modes, MCP, Skills and AGENTS.md.

Website

FAQ

Is Amp or Roo Code open source?
Amp is proprietary. Roo Code is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do Amp and Roo Code support MCP servers?
Amp: yes. Roo Code: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Amp and Roo Code?
Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.

Set up MCP servers in either one

All official MCP servers

More comparisons

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.