Cline with OpenAI-compatible APIs
GPT via OpenAI Compatible, Claude via Anthropic
As of 2026-10-07, Cline's OpenAI Compatible provider works on QCode only for GPT and GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen models, with Base URL https://api.qcode.cc/openai/v1. Claude does not work there: pick the Anthropic provider, check Use custom base URL and enter https://api.qcode.cc/api. The same QCode key covers both.
Updated 2026-10-07
Point this tool at the QCode endpoint — one key for Claude, GPT and Chinese models.
- Billed per token — live rates on /models
- Pay by card (Visa / Mastercard / AMEX), Apple Pay, Google Pay or crypto
- Self-service: top up and activate instantly
Highlights
VS Code installs
The most active tier among open-source agent extensions; after Roo Code was archived in 2026-05, the ecosystem consolidated around Cline and its peers.
Config needed to connect
Base URL + API key + model id. The OpenAI Compatible provider natively supports custom endpoints.
Price of the extension
Free under Apache-2.0; you only pay for the model tokens you burn. The hosted ClinePass is separate ($9.99/mo, verified 2026-09-21).
Ways to connect Cline to QCode
Claude goes through the Anthropic provider (https://api.qcode.cc/api); GPT and GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen go through OpenAI Compatible (https://api.qcode.cc/openai/v1). The same key works for both; available models are listed on /models.
What Cline is
Cline is an open-source AI agent extension for VS Code: it reads repos, edits multiple files, runs terminal commands and verifies results in a browser — all inside the editor. It doesn't sell models itself: it's BYOK, so whichever provider's key you enter is the model you use, billed per token by that provider. Mid-2026 versions sit at v3.8x, shipping on a weekly cadence.
Why it's worth installing now
After subscription tools all moved to $20/mo, the BYOK route of 'free extension + pay-per-use' looks attractive again: light users often spend less than the loose change of a subscription per month. Meanwhile Roo Code was archived on 2026-05-15, and the open-source VS Code agent ecosystem consolidated around Cline / Kilo Code / Continue — Cline has the largest install base of the three.
Timeline
Roo Code is archived; the open-source VS Code agent field starts consolidating.
Cline reaches v3.8x and ships Cline CLI plus the hosted inference option ClinePass (from $9.99/mo).
The releases page keeps a weekly cadence; the OpenAI Compatible channel becomes the standard way to hook up third-party endpoints.
Confirmed vs caveats
Confirmed
Cline ships an OpenAI Compatible provider with custom base URL, API key and model id; the extension is free under Apache-2.0; model calls are billed per token by whichever provider you configure.
Caveats
The Gemini provider's custom base URL was removed during an SDK migration (issue #13243) — to reach Gemini models, use the OpenAI Compatible channel; don't look for a base URL setting in the Gemini channel.
BYOK or subscription
BYOK (Cline itself)
Free extension, pay-per-use models. Suits people whose usage fluctuates, who want to swap models freely, or who use several model families.
Subscription ($20/mo tier)
Cursor / Claude Code style monthly plans. Suits daily heavy users who max out quotas and don't want to manage keys. Below full usage, pay-per-use is cheaper.
How to connect (three steps)
① In Cline settings (gear icon) choose OpenAI Compatible under API Provider: Base URL https://api.qcode.cc/openai/v1, API Key your QCode key, Model a GPT or GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen id (e.g. gpt-6-sol, gpt-5.6-terra, glm-5.2) — never claude-*. ② For Claude, switch API Provider to Anthropic, paste the same key into Anthropic API Key, check Use custom base URL and enter https://api.qcode.cc/api (not /api/v1/messages, no trailing slash), then pick a model such as claude-sonnet-5. ③ Send a test message; after that, switching models only changes the Model field.
On QCode
One QCode key (starting with cr_) works with both the Anthropic and the OpenAI protocol, but Claude only runs on the Anthropic endpoint; sending it to the OpenAI-compatible endpoint returns model_not_available_on_endpoint. So in Cline, use the Anthropic provider for Claude and OpenAI Compatible for GPT and GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen. Billing is per token; per-model prices are on /models.
FAQ
Does Cline cost anything?
The extension itself is free (Apache-2.0). You pay for model tokens, billed by whichever API provider you configure. There's also the official hosted inference, ClinePass at $9.99/mo (verified 2026-09-21) — optional.
Can I use Claude in Cline?
Yes, through the Anthropic provider: set API Provider to Anthropic, check Use custom base URL with https://api.qcode.cc/api, and pick a model such as claude-sonnet-5. Entering claude-* in the OpenAI Compatible channel returns model_not_available_on_endpoint.
Where did Gemini's custom base URL go?
It was removed during an SDK migration (issue #13243). Workaround: reach Gemini model ids through the OpenAI Compatible channel — functionality is unaffected.
Which is better value: BYOK or a $20/mo subscription?
Depends on usage. If you run agents hard every day, a subscription is steadier; if your usage fluctuates or you juggle multiple tools, pay-per-use usually costs less and lets you swap models anytime.
How is Cline different from Cursor?
Cline is a VS Code extension — open source, BYOK; Cursor is a standalone IDE — closed source, subscription. They coexist fine on the same machine, and many people switch between them per task.
Where do I find model ids?
QCode's /models catalog lists the currently callable ids and prices in real time. Copy an id into the Model field of the matching provider: claude-* under the Anthropic provider, GPT and GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen ids under OpenAI Compatible.
Sources
Cline GitHub releases, cline.bot ClinePass (2026-08 fetch; 2026-09-21 re-check), OpenAI Compatible tutorial (ourtoken.ai), issue #13243. Connection settings follow the docs.qcode.cc Cline integration and endpoints pages and the docs.cline.bot Anthropic and OpenAI Compatible pages (fetched 2026-10-07).
One key, two providers: Claude and GPT
Claude: Anthropic provider + https://api.qcode.cc/api. GPT and GLM / Kimi / DeepSeek / Qwen: OpenAI Compatible + https://api.qcode.cc/openai/v1.
Related reading
GitHub Copilot BYOK for Claude and GPT
BYOK setup for VS Code Custom Endpoint and Copilot CLI: URL forms, plan requirements and the JetBrains limit.
Cursor custom API key and Base URL
Where keys go in Settings → Models, which slot can change the Base URL, why Tab skips your key, and the QCode setup.
Claude Code guide
The official CLI's workflow — complements Cline.
Not affiliated with the Cline team. Extension behavior follows its official documentation; endpoint settings checked on 2026-10-07, model availability per /models.