kitio.aiClaude Code vs Crush
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Crush is completely free, while Claude Code is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Terminal agent
- IDE extensions
- Subagents and hooks
- MCP support
- GitHub Actions integration
- Terminal UI
- LSP-aware context
- MCP support
- Mid-session model switching
- Per-project sessions
| Feature | Claude Code | Crush |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Anthropic's agentic coding tool for terminal, IDE and web | Charm's polished terminal coding agent with LSP context |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $20/mo | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Anthropic | Charm |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: MCP support.
Pricing compared
Crush is completely free, while Claude Code is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Pro
$20/mo
- Claude Code included
- More usage than Free
- Claude in Chrome
Max
$100/mo
- From $100; 5x or 20x Pro usage
- Higher output limits
- $100-$200/mo in API credits
Team Standard
$25/mo
- Per seat
- Claude Code and Cowork
- More usage than Pro
Team Premium
$125/mo
- Per seat
- 5x usage of standard seats
Enterprise
$20/seat + usage
- Billed annually, 20-seat minimum
- Usage at API rates
- Admin spend controls
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 Code
- Strong at multi-step coding tasks
- Highly customizable with hooks and skills
- Works where you already code
- Usage limits on Pro plan
- Locked to Anthropic models
Crush
- Attractive, fast terminal UI
- Works with many providers
- Free to use
- You pay for your own API usage
- Source-available, not fully open source
Which one should you choose?
Choose Claude Code if you want:
- Strong at multi-step coding tasks
- Highly customizable with hooks and skills
- Works where you already code
Watch out: usage limits on pro plan.
Choose Crush if you want:
- Attractive, fast terminal UI
- Works with many providers
- Free to use
Watch out: you pay for your own api usage.
Claude Code vs Crush FAQ
What is the difference between Claude Code and Crush?
Claude Code: Anthropic's agentic coding tool for terminal, IDE and web. Crush: Charm's polished terminal coding agent with LSP context. Both are coding tools.
Is Claude Code or Crush cheaper?
Crush is completely free, while Claude Code is paid.
Do Claude Code and Crush have free plans?
Claude Code: No. Crush: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Claude Code?
Claude Code is made by Anthropic, based in United States.
Who makes Crush?
Crush is made by Charm, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Claude Code or Crush?
Choose Claude Code if you value strong at multi-step coding tasks and highly customizable with hooks and skills. Choose Crush if you value attractive, fast terminal ui and works with many providers.