kitio.aiClaude Agent SDK vs Claude Cowork
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Claude Agent SDK is completely free, while Claude Cowork is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Claude Code agent loop
- Built-in file and shell tools
- Hooks and permissions
- Subagents and skills
- MCP support
- Multi-step task handoff
- Local file access
- Scheduled tasks
- Phone-to-desktop task sending
- App connectors and extensions
| Feature | Claude Agent SDK | Claude Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Anthropic's SDK for building agents on the Claude Code harness | Claude desktop agent that works through tasks in your files and apps |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No |
| Made by | Anthropic | Anthropic |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Claude Agent SDK is completely free, while Claude Cowork is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Pro
$20/mo
- Hand off and schedule tasks
- More usage than Free
- Claude in Chrome and Microsoft 365
Max
$100/mo
- 5x Pro usage
- $100 monthly API credits
- Priority access at busy times
Ultra
$200/mo
- 10x Pro usage each week
- No 5-hour limit for verified users
- $200 monthly API credits
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Claude Agent SDK
- Proven harness from Claude Code
- Strong for long, tool-heavy tasks
- Fine-grained permission control
- Requires API billing
- Mostly tied to Claude models
Claude Cowork
- Works directly on files on your computer
- Tasks can be started from your phone
- Uses the same Claude account and memory
- Needs the desktop app to run tasks
- Usage limits are shared with regular Claude chat
- Heavier tasks push you toward costly plans
Which one should you choose?
Choose Claude Agent SDK if you want:
- Proven harness from Claude Code
- Strong for long, tool-heavy tasks
- Fine-grained permission control
Watch out: requires api billing.
Choose Claude Cowork if you want:
- Works directly on files on your computer
- Tasks can be started from your phone
- Uses the same Claude account and memory
Watch out: needs the desktop app to run tasks.
Claude Agent SDK vs Claude Cowork FAQ
What is the difference between Claude Agent SDK and Claude Cowork?
Claude Agent SDK: Anthropic's SDK for building agents on the Claude Code harness. Claude Cowork: Claude desktop agent that works through tasks in your files and apps. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Claude Agent SDK or Claude Cowork cheaper?
Claude Agent SDK is completely free, while Claude Cowork is paid.
Do Claude Agent SDK and Claude Cowork have free plans?
Claude Agent SDK: Yes, fully free. Claude Cowork: No.
Who makes Claude Agent SDK?
Claude Agent SDK is made by Anthropic, based in United States.
Who makes Claude Cowork?
Claude Cowork is made by Anthropic, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Claude Agent SDK or Claude Cowork?
Choose Claude Agent SDK if you value proven harness from claude code and strong for long, tool-heavy tasks. Choose Claude Cowork if you value works directly on files on your computer and tasks can be started from your phone.