AI Agent Frameworks Comparison 2026
A comprehensive comparison of 14 AI coding agent frameworks, their features, skill support, and best use cases. Find the right AI assistant for your workflow.
Framework Comparison Table
| Framework | Type | Skill Support | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | CLI | Native | Terminal workflows, complex tasks | API usage |
| Cursor | IDE | Native | Full IDE experience | $20/mo Pro |
| GitHub Copilot | IDE Extension | Partial | Code completion, VS Code | $10/mo |
| OpenCode | CLI | Native | Open-source alternative | Free + API |
| Codex | API | Native | Code generation APIs | API usage |
| Aider | CLI | Native | Git-aware pair programming | Free + API |
| Windsurf | IDE | Native | Full IDE with AI flows | Freemium |
| Gemini | API/IDE | Partial | Google ecosystem | API usage |
| Plandex | CLI | Native | Complex multi-file tasks | Free + API |
| Zed AI | IDE | Native | Fast, collaborative editing | Free + API |
Choosing the Right Framework
For Terminal Power Users
If you prefer working in the terminal, Claude Code and Aider offer powerful CLI experiences with native skill support. Claude Code excels at complex, multi-step tasks while Aider provides excellent git integration.
For IDE-Centric Workflows
Cursor provides the most complete AI-first IDE experience, while Windsurf offers innovative "flows" for multi-file operations. GitHub Copilot remains popular for its seamless VS Code integration.
For Open Source Projects
OpenCode and Aider are excellent open-source options that support multiple LLM providers including local models.
Skill Compatibility
All frameworks marked with "Native" skill support can use skills from the SkillzWave marketplace. Install skills using the skilz CLI:
pip install skilz
skilz install [skill-name]Find Skills for Your Framework
Browse 44,000+ skills compatible with your preferred AI agent framework.
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