How to Configure OpenCode Models for Cheap, Fast Coding
OpenCode lets you mix models per task. Set up a cheap default, a strong planner, and local fallback so token bills stay predictable.
OpenCode is a free, open-source AI coding agent for the terminal. It connects to more than 75 model providers through the Models.dev registry, runs on macOS, Linux and Windows, and you bring your own API key โ there is no subscription.
OpenCode is a TUI (terminal user interface) agent written in Go and TypeScript, maintained in the open on GitHub. You start it in a project folder, describe a task, and it reads files, writes code and runs commands. The design goal is provider neutrality: Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Groq, local Ollama models and dozens more all work through the same interface.
It suits developers who refuse to be locked into one vendor or one IDE. Because it is open source, you can read exactly what it sends to the model, which is a real concern for teams handling private code.
Cost is the headline. OpenCode itself is free under an MIT license; you pay only for model tokens, and with a local model like Qwen or Llama through Ollama that cost can drop to zero.
The tradeoff is setup effort. You configure providers and keys yourself, and there is no polished onboarding wizard. Experienced developers finish this in ten minutes. Beginners may find the configuration file intimidating compared with a plug-and-play tool.
If you value openness and model freedom over convenience, OpenCode is one of the strongest terminal agents available. The limitation is support: issues are handled by the community and maintainers, not a paid support desk. Teams that need an SLA should look elsewhere.
It is not a replacement for an IDE assistant if you want inline completions while typing โ OpenCode is a task agent, not a copilot. Many people run both.
Last updated: September 2026.