Comparison
Claude Code vs Amp
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Claude Code | Amp | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anthropic | Amp |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Models | Anthropic Claude models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | Terminal, IDE |
| MCP | MCP: supported | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified | AGENTS.md: supported |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ?ACP: not yet verified |
Key differences
- Both are proprietary products from their vendors.
- Claude Code also runs in Desktop, Web.
- Amp supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Claude Code.
- Claude Code supports ACP; we have not verified it for Amp.
- Both support MCP, Agent Skills, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Reads the codebase, edits files, runs commands, and extends through MCP servers, Skills, subagents, hooks and plugin marketplaces. Project instructions live in CLAUDE.md.
Amp
Frontier coding agent for terminal and editor. Co-created the AGENTS.md convention and supports Agent Skills.
FAQ
- Is Claude Code or Amp open source?
- Claude Code is proprietary. Amp is proprietary.
- Do Claude Code and Amp support MCP servers?
- Claude Code: yes. Amp: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Claude Code and Amp?
- 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
More comparisons
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.