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OB-1 is for developers who want free, portable agent work.
OB-1 isn't the only coding agent. It's the one built around a free-first path, persistent memory, and provider neutrality.
| Capability | OB-1 | Claude Code | opencode | aider | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 CLI | Proprietary | Open source | Open source | Gemini CLI was Apache-2.0; successor Antigravity CLI is closed source |
| Works with no API key | Yes, built-in free cloud models | Sign-in required | Free models advertised | Usually bring a key or local endpoint | Was free with a Google account; free tier shut off Jun 2026 |
| Bring your own endpoint | Yes, any OpenAI-compatible URL | Limited | Yes | Yes | No — Gemini/Google models only |
| Local models | Ollama, LM Studio, llama.cpp, vLLM, custom | Not supported first-party | Yes | Yes | Not supported |
| Persistent memory | Inspectable project memory graph | Claude-side/project memory | Project workflow features | Repo/session context | GEMINI.md context files |
| Multi-agent routing | Solo, Fusion best-of-N, verified escalation, subagents | Subagents through Claude ecosystem | Multi-session and built-in agents | Architect/editor workflows | Single agent with tools and MCP |
| Sandboxing | Seatbelt/bubblewrap modes plus permission controls | Local permission prompts + OS sandboxing | Local controls | Local controls | Docker/Podman or macOS seatbelt sandbox |
| Hosted tier | Optional paid convenience tier | Anthropic subscription or API billing | Bring your own keys | Bring your own keys | Google AI/Vertex billing beyond the now-ended free tier |
| Free tier durability | Free users get new free models after 30 days; hosted plans get them immediately | Depends on an Anthropic subscription or API credits | Free models depend on the provider connections you supply | No hosted tier — depends on the keys or endpoints you bring | Shut off Jun 18, 2026; replaced by closed-source Antigravity CLI |
OB-1 vs Claude Code
Claude Code is the polished Anthropic-native agent. OB-1 is the open, provider-neutral path for teams that want free onboarding, inspectable memory, and an exit plan from any one model vendor.
Read comparisonOB-1 vs Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI launched in June 2025 with a generous free tier — 1,000 requests a day at no charge. In March 2026 the free tier was cut to Flash-only models, and on June 18, 2026 Google shut it off entirely, pointing users to the closed-source Antigravity CLI. OB-1's free path is a router built into the CLI; new free models reach free users after 30 days and paid users immediately.
Read comparisonOB-1 vs opencode
opencode is a strong open coding agent with a broad product surface. OB-1's bet is narrower: a built-in free-model router, durable memory, and compute-matched agent modes inside one terminal workflow.
Read comparisonOB-1 vs aider
aider is a proven terminal pair programmer with excellent repo-map and git workflows. OB-1 is for longer-running projects that need memory, multi-agent routing, and a free no-key first-run path.
Read comparison