# Nova — AI Coding Tool Review & Pricing

> Nova is a terminal-first AI development agent designed for multi-step engineering tasks, ranging from code refactoring and debugging to complex system migration. It operates locally with a focus on developer control, offering a three-tier approval system for file and shell operations.

Source: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/compass-nova-cli · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · Category: Terminal & CLI Agents · Published by dosa.dev

## At a glance

- **Tool**: Nova
- **Company**: Compass
- **Category**: [Terminal & CLI Agents](https://ai.dosa.dev/category/cli-agents)
- **Pricing model**: Freemium
- **Official website**: https://github.com/Compass-Agentic-Platform/nova

## Key features

- Three-tier approval system (Manual, Auto, Strict)
- Multi-model support (Anthropic, Ollama, GLM, Gemini, etc.)
- Deep codebase indexing with 200K token context window
- Git-native operations with managed worktree isolation
- Extensible ecosystem via MCP servers and custom skill agents

## Pricing

**Model**: Freemium

Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers.

## Who it is for

- **Best for**: Power users and developers who require a highly configurable, local-first agent capable of executing end-to-end engineering workflows and managing complex, multi-step project tasks.
- **Not ideal for**: Users who prefer a cloud-locked, zero-configuration chat interface, or developers working in environments where local execution of AI-managed shell and file-system tools is strictly prohibited.

## Verdict

Nova is a robust, production-grade CLI tool that prioritizes safety and developer agency, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an autonomous agent that integrates deeply into existing professional workflows.

## Recent updates

On September 25, 2026, Nova introduced native asynchronous tool calling in its interactive CLI, enabling the agent to perform read-only lookups in the background during active sessions.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nova free?

Nova is Freemium. Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers. Check the official site for current plans.

### Is Nova open source?

Nova is not listed as open source on ai.dosa.dev - it is Freemium.

### How much does Nova cost?

Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers. Pricing changes often - verify on the official site.

### Who is Nova best for?

Power users and developers who require a highly configurable, local-first agent capable of executing end-to-end engineering workflows and managing complex, multi-step project tasks.

### Who is Nova not ideal for?

Users who prefer a cloud-locked, zero-configuration chat interface, or developers working in environments where local execution of AI-managed shell and file-system tools is strictly prohibited.

### What are the best Nova alternatives?

The closest Nova alternatives on ai.dosa.dev are Claude Code, Codex CLI, Amp - all listed under Terminal & CLI Agents.

### Who makes Nova?

Nova is developed by Compass. It is listed in the Terminal & CLI Agents category on ai.dosa.dev.

## Top alternatives

- [Claude Code](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/claude-code) (Freemium) — Developers comfortable with terminal-based workflows who need an assistant to handle multi-hour tasks like complex refactors, full-stack bug fixes, and project migrations.
- [Codex CLI](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/codex-cli) (Freemium) — Handling mechanical, well-scoped engineering tasks like updating dependencies, refactoring based on clear patterns, writing unit tests, and CI/CD configuration.
- [Amp](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/amp) (Freemium) — Terminal-comfortable developers requiring parallel, long-running agent tasks on remote infrastructure.
- [Aider](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/aider) (Open Source) — Developers who live in the terminal, prioritize granular git history, or require AI coding assistance in IDE-less or remote SSH/Docker environments.
- [Gemini CLI](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/gemini-cli) (Freemium) — Enterprise organizations and professional developers using Gemini Code Assist or Google Cloud infrastructure who require a persistent, agentic coding assistant in the terminal.
- [Goose](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/goose) (Free) — Developers and teams who require a vendor-neutral, highly extensible agent platform that supports local execution and complex, multi-step workflow automation.
- Full alternatives guide: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/compass-nova-cli/alternatives