Skip to content
Anthropic coding agent

Critique vs Claude Code.

Claude Code is Anthropic's coding agent. It runs Claude models in a terminal / IDE workflow to edit code and open PRs, billed through Anthropic's usage tiers.

Quick answer

Like Codex, Claude Code is an implementation agent. Critique is the review layer that sits on top. Teams commonly combine them: Claude Code writes the code, Critique reviews the PR through non-Anthropic models so you get independent coverage.

Our pick

Critique

Multi-model agentic code review for GitHub. Scout + lead + specialist sub-agents on every PR. Credit pool pricing from $12/mo, shared across the team.

Start free

Anthropic's coding agent for terminal and IDE

Claude Code

Claude Code bills through Anthropic's usage tiers. Critique's review credits are separate and cover review + Remedy.

Visit Claude Code

Feature-by-feature.

CapabilityCritiqueClaude Code
Primary roleReview + fix agentImplementation agent
Multi-model review20+ modelsClaude-only
Pricing transparencyCredits per PRPer-message / tokens
GitHub AppYesNot the primary surface
Independent second opinionCritique reviews Claude-authored code with other modelsSame-family self-review

Verify pricing on claude.com/code before purchase.

Why teams pick Critique

  • You want review by non-Anthropic models as a check on Claude-authored PRs.
  • You want fixed per-PR cost instead of per-message billing for review.
  • You want specialist sub-agents (security, tests, performance) as standard.

When Claude Code is the right pick

  • You specifically need a terminal / IDE agent for implementation.
  • Your workflow is already deep in the Anthropic ecosystem.

Questions teams ask us.

01Is Critique a good alternative to Claude Code?

Open

Like Codex, Claude Code is an implementation agent. Critique is the review layer that sits on top. Teams commonly combine them: Claude Code writes the code, Critique reviews the PR through non-Anthropic models so you get independent coverage.

02What does Critique cost compared to Claude Code?

Open

Claude Code bills through Anthropic's usage tiers. Critique's review credits are separate and cover review + Remedy. Critique's public pricing: Standard $12/mo, Pro $35/mo, Ultra $129/mo (all credit-pool, team-shared). Student and OSS maintainers get $5/mo with unlimited repository indexing.

03Which models does Critique use that Claude Code does not?

Open

Critique routes 20+ frontier and mid-tier LLMs — GPT-5.4, Claude Opus 4.7, Gemini 3 Pro, Kimi K2.6, GLM-5, Grok 4, and more — as either the lead reviewer or specialist sub-agents on every PR. You pick which model drives each run; Critique handles caching, fallback, and credit accounting.

04Can I use Critique alongside Claude Code?

Open

Yes. Many teams keep Claude Code for its unique strength (see "When Claude Code is the right pick" below) and add Critique as the multi-model review layer on every PR for independent coverage. Install the Critique GitHub App; it does not conflict with other review bots.

05How do I switch from another review tool to Critique?

Open

Install the Critique GitHub App on your organisation, pick the repos you want reviewed, optionally import your existing review policy (language, severity floor, custom instructions), and keep your current tool running in shadow for a week to compare findings. Most teams archive the older tool within two sprints.

Compare Critique against other tools.

See Critique on your own repo.

Create an account, try Critique Chat for free on any repo you have access to, and install the GitHub App on a single repo to see the multi-agent review panel in action before rolling out.