Comparison
Claude Code 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.
| Claude Code | Roo Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anthropic | Roo Code |
| License | Proprietary | Apache-2.0 |
| Models | Anthropic Claude models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | 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
- Roo Code is open source (Apache-2.0); Claude Code is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
- Claude Code also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Web.
- Roo Code supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Claude Code.
- Claude Code supports ACP; we have not verified it for Roo Code.
- 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.
Roo Code
Open-source multi-mode coding agent for VS Code with custom modes, MCP, Skills and AGENTS.md.
FAQ
- Is Claude Code or Roo Code open source?
- Claude Code is proprietary. Roo Code is open source under Apache-2.0.
- Do Claude Code and Roo Code support MCP servers?
- Claude Code: yes. Roo Code: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Claude Code 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
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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.