RooCode Overview
RooCode is a versatile plugin-based tool developed by Roo, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports a broad range of advanced language models including GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0, among others, providing comprehensive solutions for developers. The tool features ‘The Coder’, a custom model designed to enhance coding efficiency. With a generous context window of 200k tokens and full terminal access, RooCode is tailored for extensive coding tasks. It also offers multi-file agentic editing capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and editing across different files. Privacy is maintained through a standard policy, and the tool is certified with SOC2 Type II for enterprise-level security. Users can enjoy a free tier with options to upgrade to a Pro version.
Pros
- ✓ Compatible with multiple operating systems.
- ✓ Supports various advanced language models.
- ✓ Offers a free tier for users.
- ✓ Features full terminal access and multi-file editing.
Cons
- ✕ Predictive edits are not supported.
- ✕ Privacy mode is standard, lacking enhanced privacy features.
SWE-agent Overview
SWE-agent, developed by SWE, operates as a cloud-based tool specifically for Ubuntu 24.04 and 24.10 systems. It accommodates advanced language models such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-5, and others, delivering robust performance for coding and development tasks. Unlike RooCode, SWE-agent does not support local inference, focusing instead on cloud-based processing. The tool allows full terminal access and supports multi-file agentic editing, making it suitable for complex projects. Although it lacks a free tier, SWE-agent is equipped with SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring high-level security and compliance. Interested users need to contact sales for pricing details, and initial setup is required for migration.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a variety of cutting-edge language models.
- ✓ Offers full terminal access and multi-file editing.
- ✓ High-level security with SOC2 Type II certification.
Cons
- ✕ Only compatible with specific Ubuntu versions.
- ✕ No free tier available.
- ✕ Migration requires setup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | RooCode | SWE-agent |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | plugin | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 24.10 |
| Developer | Roo | SWE |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, Bedrock-Titan, Ollama-local | Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 4, GPT-4o, GPT-5, Gemini 1.0 |
| Custom Model | The Coder | – |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Contact Sales |
| Config File | .roorc | .sweagentrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both RooCode and SWE-agent offer unique features catering to different user needs. RooCode provides flexibility with its multi-OS support and free tier, while SWE-agent excels in cloud-based operations with robust security measures. Users should consider their specific requirements and operating environments when choosing between these tools.