Cline, if you
- Want to work from VS Code, JetBrains, Cline Desktop or the command line.
- Need an Apache-2.0 licence today.
- Want auto-approve set by category: reading, editing, commands, browser, MCP.
In short
Cline is open source under Apache-2.0: free for individual developers, with telemetry on by default. Zidos is in a free beta: its own agent on its own core, commands in a sandbox, steps in the log, Apache-2.0 planned for launch.
Zidos, if you
- Need a log with signed checkpoints and an independent verifier.
- Want to work with your own Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini subscription.
- Can wait: the beta is free, pricing comes after.
- Want to move from Cline without losing history, rules, MCP servers or skills.
Compared
Seven rows, one per trait, each with a source.
| Trait | Zidos | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| Agent | Its own agent on its own core | Autonomous coding agent as an SDK, an editor extension or a command line |
| Default permissions | Asks before any action except reading | Auto-approve by category: reading and editing files, commands, browser, MCP servers. The docs do not state the default; there is a YOLO mode |
| Sandbox | Linux: sandbox, no network. Windows: keys and passwords closed. macOS: partial | Not specified; the docs advise starting with an isolated environment |
| Telemetry | Off by default; only an admin can turn it on | On by default; switched off in settings |
| Licence | Apache-2.0 at launch (planned) | Apache-2.0; public repository |
| Price | Free beta, pricing after the beta | Open Source: free for individual developers, model use billed separately; Enterprise custom |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows; some features are Linux-only for now | VS Code, JetBrains, Cline Desktop and a command line |
How the agents run
Zidos
Zidos runs its own agent on its own core. The core listens on this computer only; remote access goes through a separate listener with its own keys.
Cline
Cline is an autonomous coding agent: an SDK, VS Code and JetBrains extensions, Cline Desktop and a command line.
What the agent may do by default
Zidos
Asks before any action except reading. On Linux, commands run in a sandbox with no network; without it they do not run.
Cline
Auto-approve categories: reading and editing project files and all files, safe commands and all commands, the browser, MCP servers. The docs advise leaving edits, commands, browser and MCP off until you have a reason. YOLO Mode: "Auto Approve on steroids".
Telemetry and data
Zidos
Provider requests are scrubbed for secrets before sending. Telemetry is off by default; only an admin can turn it on, and every byte is visible before it is sent. There is no update check.
Cline
On by default. Collected: feature use, task start and finish, errors, tokens, timings, model and provider, version, OS, editor, device ID. Code, file contents and prompts are not included, per the page (except requests to Cline and ClinePass providers).
Licence
Zidos
We plan to open the core and the apps under Apache-2.0 at launch. The licence grants no rights to the Zidos name or logo.
Cline
Apache-2.0. The repository is public.
Questions
- Can I download Zidos today?
- The free beta is running now. Email [email protected] with the subject "Zidos beta" and we will add you to the first wave.
- Is Cline free?
- Open Source is free for individual developers, with no subscriptions or seat fees; model use is billed separately. Enterprise is custom.
- Which models does Zidos work with?
- Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini and GLM. Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini work with your subscription.
- What happened to Roo Code?
- The RooCodeInc/Roo-Code repository was archived on 15.05.2026 and is read-only. Its README names Cline and ZooCode as successors.
- Why is there no verdict?
- We make Zidos, so our verdict would not be neutral. This page keeps to facts, sources and the date they were checked.
Sources
Checked 25.10.2026. Zidos facts: this site and the core repository.
- Cline repository
- Cline licence
- Cline auto-approve
- Cline telemetry
- Cline pricing
- Roo Code repository
- Zidos security
- Zidos open core
Other comparisons: OpenBot, OpenClaw, Kilo Code, OpenCode, Goose, Aider
Join the first beta wave
The beta is free, pricing comes after. Email [email protected] with the subject "Zidos beta".