Best-of · 9 tools · updated Nov 3, 2026

Best AI Tools with an API for Writing Code with AI

Look for how the tool fits your workflow and API needs: a chat assistant, terminal agent, code editor, or cloud agent; whether API access is included and how usage is billed; context for large codebases; and data handling. ChatGPT offers an OpenAI API plus sandboxed code execution. Claude Code runs in the terminal and is billed per token through the Anthropic API. Cursor combines an editor with an AI agent, with API access on paid plans billed separately.

  1. 1
    CursorVerified Nov 3, 2026

    An AI code editor and coding agent that helps developers plan, write, fix, and review code.

    Free tier · from $8/moWeb, Mac, Command line, IDE
    Visit
  2. 2
    Claude Code

    Terminal-based agentic coding tool from Anthropic that reads a codebase, edits files and runs commands to complete tasks end to end.

    Pay as you goCommand line, Mac, Windows, Linux
    Visit
  3. 3
    DeepSeek

    DeepSeek's free AI assistant with strong reasoning and coding capabilities, available on the web and mobile.

    FreeWeb, iOS, Android, API
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  4. 4
    DevinVerified Nov 4, 2026

    Autonomous coding agent that plans, writes, and tests code, then opens a merge-ready pull request.

    Free tier · from $20/moCommand line
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  5. 5
    ChatGPT

    OpenAI's AI assistant for questions, writing, coding and research, with a free tier and paid plans for more capable models.

    Free tier · from $8/moWeb, iOS, Android, API
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  6. 6
    Claude

    Anthropic's AI assistant with a long context window, nuanced reasoning and strong performance on writing and analysis.

    Free tier · from $20/moWeb, iOS, Android, API
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  7. 7
    Amazon Q DeveloperVerified Nov 4, 2026

    A coding assistant from AWS with IDE and CLI suggestions, chat, and agentic tasks for developers.

    Free tier · from $19/moIDE, Command line, iOS, Android
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  8. 8
    OpenAI Codex

    Cloud-based agentic coding agent from OpenAI that clones a repository, writes code and opens pull requests autonomously.

    Pay as you goWeb, API
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  9. 9
    v0Verified Nov 3, 2026

    Builds working web apps from written prompts and publishes them as live sites for teams and solo builders.

    Free tier · from $30/moiOS
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