Claude Code costs up to $200 a month. Goose does the same thing for free.

In a rapidly evolving AI coding landscape, developers are increasingly turning to open-source solutions that offer both freedom and functionality. One such tool, Goose, developed by Block, is gaining traction as a zero-cost alternative to premium offerings like Claude Code. Claude Code, offered by Anthropic, recently introduced a $200-per-month plan, sparking debate among developers about the value of high-end AI tools. The backlash has highlighted a growing demand for tools that respect user autonomy, privacy, and cost-efficiency. Goose stands out in this market by providing agentic task execution, model agnosticism, and full local operation. Unlike commercial tools, Goose does not require an internet connection or cloud-based processing, allowing developers to keep their code entirely off the cloud. This approach is particularly appealing to those concerned about data security and compliance. The tool is built on open-source language models, such as Qwen 2.5, which can be run locally on a user's machine. While performance varies depending on hardware capabilities, Goose's documentation recommends at least 32GB of RAM for optimal results. Smaller models are also available for less powerful systems, making it accessible to a wider audience. Despite its advantages, Goose is not without trade-offs. Model quality, context window size, speed, and tooling maturity still favor established commercial offerings like Claude Code and GitHub Copilot. However, for developers who prioritize cost, privacy, and flexibility, Goose presents a compelling option. The rise of Goose reflects a broader trend in the AI ecosystem—open-source tools are becoming increasingly capable, challenging the dominance of proprietary solutions. As open-source models continue to improve, the justification for premium pricing may erode, forcing companies like Anthropic to compete on features, user experience, and integration rather than raw model performance. For now, developers have a clear choice: those who need top-tier model quality and can afford the cost may still prefer Claude Code, while those seeking a no-cost, privacy-respecting, and flexible solution can turn to Goose. The emergence of such tools marks a significant shift in how developers interact with AI coding assistance, emphasizing freedom and control in an increasingly centralized digital world.