PearAI - Claude code alternative

PearAI is an open source AI code editor built as a fork of VSCode. It provides a curated inventory of the best AI tools, natively integrated for effortless AI-powered coding. The editor is customizable with various API keys and offers flexible AI model support. Solo developers benefit from having multiple AI capabilities in one unified interface without managing separate tools.

Strengths

Open-source and free with customizable API key configuration
Integrates powerful AI tools including Roo Code, Supermaven, MemO, Perplexity, and Continue
Built on VSCode foundation providing familiar interface and compatibility
Supports AI chat with codebase context, file editing with diff views, and CMD+I inline prompts
Features PearAI Creator for project generation and automated coding agents
Includes AI chat and inline prompts for accelerated coding process

Weaknesses

Credit-based usage system may create unpredictable costs for heavy users
Some features like PearAI Creator are still in development ("Coming Soon")
Requires configuration of multiple API keys for full functionality
Being a VSCode fork may lag behind original VSCode updates

Best for

Solo developers seeking integrated AI tools in familiar VSCode environment

Pricing plans

Subscription — $15/month — Credit-based usage with grandfathered early bird pricing
Free tier — Unknown limits

Tech details

Type: Standalone AI code editor
IDEs: VSCode fork with native integration
Key features: AI chat, PearAI Creator, AI debugging, Roo Code integration, Supermaven predictive text, MemO memory management, Perplexity search, Continue chat/editing
Privacy / hosting: Open-source with local installation, data retention policies Unknown
Models / context window: Multiple LLM providers supported, specific models and context sizes Unknown

When to choose this over Claude code

You want open-source transparency and customization options
You need multiple AI tools (Supermaven, MemO, Perplexity) integrated in one editor
You prefer familiar VSCode interface without learning new tools

When Claude code may be a better fit

You need stable, production-ready features without "Coming Soon" limitations
You prefer predictable pricing over credit-based usage systems
You want integrated terminal-based workflow without GUI setup

Conclusion

PearAI addresses developers' need to leverage AI tools without keeping up with the evolving landscape. The unified user experience integrates the best AI tools across the coding tech stack. This Claude code alternative suits developers wanting comprehensive AI features in an open-source, customizable environment. The $15/month pricing provides more value than purchasing equivalent API credits directly from LLM providers.

Sources

FAQ

Q: Is PearAI completely free to use? A: PearAI offers a free tier with unknown limits, plus a $15/month subscription with credit-based usage. The core editor is open-source and free.

Q: What AI models does PearAI support? A: PearAI supports multiple LLM providers, but specific model names and context window sizes are Unknown. It offers flexible AI model support with various API keys.

Q: How does PearAI compare to VSCode? A: PearAI is built as a fork of VSCode, providing the same familiar interface while adding integrated AI features like AI chat, PearAI Creator, and AI debugging.

Q: What are PearAI's main AI integrations? A: PearAI integrates Roo Code for AI coding, Supermaven for predictive text, MemO for memory management, Perplexity for AI search, and Continue for chat and editing.

Q: Is PearAI suitable for team development? A: The pricing is individual subscription-based at $15/month, but team features and collaboration capabilities are Unknown.

Q: How do I get started with PearAI? A: Getting started involves downloading the software, creating an account, configuring API keys and models, and exploring the interface.

PearAI