AI coding · Head to head
Amazon Q Developer vs Claude Code: which is better?
Short answer
Claude Code costs less in the first year ($1,140 vs $204). Pick Amazon Q Developer for AWS-centric development teams; pick Claude Code for terminal-based agentic coding.
| Fact | Amazon Q Developer | Claude Code | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | AWS-centric development teams | Terminal-based agentic coding | — |
| Free plan | Yes, free tier with advanced capabilities | No | Amazon Q Developer |
| Entry plan | Pro: $19 / seat / mo | Pro: $17 / mo | — |
| Mid plan | Pro: $19 / seat / mo | Max: $100 / mo | — |
| Top plan | Pro: $19 / seat / mo | Max: $100 / mo | — |
| 1st year | $1,140 | $204 | Claude Code |
| Platforms | Web, API | macOS, Linux, Windows | Claude Code |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which has the better free plan, Amazon Q Developer or Claude Code?
Amazon Q Developer: Yes, free tier with advanced capabilities.
Should you pick Amazon Q Developer or Claude Code?
Pick Amazon Q Developer if
- you want AWS-centric development teams
- the free plan is enough (free tier with advanced capabilities)
Pick Claude Code if
- you want terminal-based agentic coding
- you can pay $17 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Q Developer pricing | aws.amazon.com/q/developer/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Claude Code pricing | claude.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare