OpenCode is the multi-surface open agent
OpenCode's strongest argument is flexibility. Its docs describe terminal, desktop app, and IDE extension availability, plus agents and subagents that make it relevant to modern agentic-coding comparisons. Free models are included, and you can connect Claude, GPT, Gemini, or other providers, so pricing is more flexible than a fixed monthly subscription. It fits developers who want one open agent that can move between surfaces and custom model-provider workflows. The trade-off is that open-source flexibility still leaves teams to decide provider access, policy, cost controls, and review practices.
Aider is the mature git-native workflow
Aider's strongest argument is a mature, focused workflow. It is the terminal-first AI pair programmer that works directly inside existing git repositories, supports building new projects or editing existing codebases, and remains a reference point for multi-file edits in a real repository. It is open source and free to install, and you pay only for the model APIs you connect. For developers who live in git and shell and want a proven, git-native loop rather than a broad multi-surface agent, Aider is the more direct fit.
Decide by breadth versus focus
The practical decision is breadth versus focus. OpenCode is the pick when you want one open agent that spans terminal, desktop, and IDE and supports agents and subagents for structured delegation. Aider is the pick when you want a mature, git-native terminal loop centered on multi-file edits inside repositories. Both are open source, so run the same repository task through each and compare first-pass diff quality, git handling, and setup. OpenCode often wins on surface flexibility; Aider often wins on a focused, proven git workflow.
