Claude Code free tier: how far you get
Claude Code free tier: Claude Code is not on Claude Free. Anthropic models need Pro, Max, or API credits. The CLI can also talk to OpenRouter ':free' models at $0 (rate-limited) — that is a separate edition on this page.. In our 2026-11-01 test: Not applicable for the Sonnet API edition (~$0.01/run). OpenRouter free edition used free-model quota at $0 the same day..
Based on our own test on 2026-11-01 (3 runs) and the official pricing page (checked 2026-10-16).
What the free plan includes
Claude Code is not on Claude Free. Anthropic models need Pro, Max, or API credits. The CLI can also talk to OpenRouter ':free' models at $0 (rate-limited) — that is a separate edition on this page.
What our test used
Not applicable for the Sonnet API edition (~$0.01/run). OpenRouter free edition used free-model quota at $0 the same day..
How far that gets you
Not enough data to estimate.
Paid plans
Included in Claude Pro $20/mo ($17/mo annual, $200 upfront); Max from $100/mo (5x or 20x); or API pay-as-you-go
FAQ
Is Claude Code free?
No (not included in Claude Free)
How much did our test use on the Claude Code free plan?
In our test (2026-11-01, 3 runs): Not applicable for the Sonnet API edition (~$0.01/run). OpenRouter free edition used free-model quota at $0 the same day..
How far does the Claude Code free plan go?
Not enough data to estimate from our test.
Full Claude Code review (9.3/10) · Best free tools in this category · Methodology