kitio.aiOpenCode vs Novel
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Novel is completely free, while OpenCode is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Terminal UI
- LSP-aware context
- 75+ model providers
- Custom agents
- Desktop client
- Notion-style editing
- AI autocompletion
- Tiptap-based
- Vercel AI SDK
- Live demo
| Feature | OpenCode | Novel |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source, model-agnostic coding agent for the terminal | Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $10/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Anomaly Innovations | Steven Tey |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Novel is completely free, while OpenCode is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Open source
Free
- Free coding agent
- Bring your own model keys
Go
$10/mo
- Subscription access to coding models
Zen
Pay-as-you-go
- Curated models billed per token
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
OpenCode
- Free and open source
- Uses plans you already pay for
- Fast, well-designed TUI
- You choose and tune models yourself
- Some providers limit third-party access
Novel
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
- Developer component, not a finished app
- Needs your own OpenAI key and setup
- Limited detail on features beyond the demo
Which one should you choose?
Choose OpenCode if you want:
- Free and open source
- Uses plans you already pay for
- Fast, well-designed TUI
Watch out: you choose and tune models yourself.
Choose Novel if you want:
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
Watch out: developer component, not a finished app.
OpenCode vs Novel FAQ
What is the difference between OpenCode and Novel?
OpenCode: Open-source, model-agnostic coding agent for the terminal. Novel: Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion. Both are coding tools.
Is OpenCode or Novel cheaper?
Novel is completely free, while OpenCode is freemium.
Do OpenCode and Novel have free plans?
OpenCode: Yes. Novel: Yes, fully free.
Who makes OpenCode?
OpenCode is made by Anomaly Innovations, based in United States.
Who makes Novel?
Novel is made by Steven Tey.
Which should I choose, OpenCode or Novel?
Choose OpenCode if you value free and open source and uses plans you already pay for. Choose Novel if you value free and open source and familiar block-editor behavior.