Roo Code - Claude code alternative
Roo Code was an open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, but the original extension was shut down on May 15, 2026. The roocode.com domain now redirects to Roomote, while the original GitHub repository is archived and read-only. This listing is being kept as a transition note so Claude Code users can understand the rename/shutdown state before a separate Roomote listing is added.
Strengths
- Strong historical community footprint: Roo Code built a large open-source audience before the shutdown
- Flexible local workflow: The original product supported editor-native coding, terminal actions, and multi-step agent workflows
- Open-source reference point: The archived repository still helps teams understand the feature set Roo popularized
Weaknesses
- Shut down: Official docs state the Roo Code extension was shut down on May 15, 2026
- Archived repository: The original GitHub project is now read-only and no longer an actively maintained product
- Brand redirect: The original domain now resolves to Roomote, so the old product identity is no longer stable
- Not suitable for fresh adoption: New teams should evaluate active tools instead of starting with the legacy Roo Code listing
Best for
- Teams documenting historical context before migrating Roo Code workflows to active alternatives or to a future Roomote listing.
Pricing plans
- Historical listing — No active plan — The original Roo Code extension was shut down on May 15, 2026
- Archived open-source repo — Read-only — The legacy repository remains available for reference, not as an actively sold product
Tech details
- Type: Historical VS Code AI coding agent listing
- IDEs: Visual Studio Code (legacy Roo extension)
- Key features: Multi-step coding assistance, file operations, terminal actions, and customizable modes in the original product
- Privacy / hosting: Historical product; current commercial direction now points to Roomote
- Models / context window: Legacy multi-model support existed, but the original Roo Code product is no longer active
When to choose this over Claude code
- Historical research only: Use this listing when you need context on the old Roo Code product and its shutdown/rename status
- Migration planning: Helpful for teams mapping old Roo workflows before moving to a current alternative
When Claude code may be a better fit
- New adoption: Claude Code is an active product, while the original Roo Code listing is now historical
- Operational continuity: Teams needing support, updates, and a live roadmap should avoid starting with the archived Roo Code product
- Current tooling: For day-to-day work, use an actively maintained agent instead of the shutdown Roo Code extension
Conclusion
Roo Code is no longer an active AI coding product in its original form. The most important update is the status change: the extension was shut down, the GitHub repository was archived, and the domain now redirects to Roomote. For now this listing serves as a rename/shutdown marker until Roomote gets its own dedicated entry.
FAQ
Is Roocode completely free to use?
Yes, Roocode is completely free and open-source. You'll only pay for AI model usage if you use a paid API like OpenAI.
How does Roocode handle code privacy?
Because Roocode is an extension in your local VS Code, your code never leaves your machine unless you choose to use external APIs.
What are the main limitations of Roocode?
Roocode consumes a great amount of tokens and only supports one session per VS Code instance.
Can I use Roocode with different AI models?
Yes, if you choose free or self-hosted models, there's no cost at all. It also supports GitHub Copilot and other VS Code language models through experimental API integration.
What makes Roocode different from other AI coding tools?
Roocode offers multiple modes to cater to different roles like development, architecture, and debugging, with full customization capabilities.
How much does typical usage cost?
For basic features like entity creation, CRUD operations, seeding, and UI changes, token costs can reach around $50.
