# Crush — AI Coding Tool Review & Pricing

> Crush is a terminal-native AI coding assistant that integrates directly into development workflows by connecting to various LLMs. It features a rich TUI and supports advanced context management through Language Server Protocols (LSP) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.

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

## At a glance

- **Tool**: Crush
- **Company**: Charmbracelet
- **Category**: [Terminal & CLI Agents](https://ai.dosa.dev/category/cli-agents)
- **Pricing model**: Freemium
- **Official website**: https://github.com/charmbracelet/crush

## Key features

- Multi-model support with mid-session switching
- LSP integration for code intelligence
- Extensibility via MCP servers and Agent Skills
- Session-based workflow management
- Terminal-native TUI with support for macOS, Linux, Windows, and BSDs

## Pricing

**Model**: Freemium

The Crush application is free to download and install. Model access requires a separate subscription or API usage costs, such as via the proprietary Hyper provider or other third-party LLM providers.

## Who it is for

- **Best for**: Terminal-first developers who want a highly extensible, keyboard-driven coding agent that allows switching between multiple model providers while maintaining project context.
- **Not ideal for**: Organizations requiring OSI-approved open-source licenses for current releases, or teams seeking a fully managed, enterprise-bundled IDE experience with predictable all-in-one billing.

## Verdict

Crush is a powerful, high-performance tool for power users who value terminal workflows and provider flexibility, though its source-available FSL license and externalized model costs are key considerations for procurement.

## Recent updates

The latest release, v0.99.0 (2026-10-29), introduced Catwalk v3 integration for improved provider management, enhanced hook capabilities, and new host-server communication features.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crush free?

Crush is Freemium. The Crush application is free to download and install. Model access requires a separate subscription or API usage costs, such as via the proprietary Hyper provider or other third-party LLM providers. Check the official site for current plans.

### Is Crush open source?

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

### How much does Crush cost?

The Crush application is free to download and install. Model access requires a separate subscription or API usage costs, such as via the proprietary Hyper provider or other third-party LLM providers. Pricing changes often - verify on the official site.

### Who is Crush best for?

Terminal-first developers who want a highly extensible, keyboard-driven coding agent that allows switching between multiple model providers while maintaining project context.

### Who is Crush not ideal for?

Organizations requiring OSI-approved open-source licenses for current releases, or teams seeking a fully managed, enterprise-bundled IDE experience with predictable all-in-one billing.

### What are the best Crush alternatives?

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

### Who makes Crush?

Crush is developed by Charmbracelet. 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/crush/alternatives

## Head-to-head comparisons

- [Crush vs OpenCode](https://ai.dosa.dev/compare/crush-vs-opencode) (Markdown: https://ai.dosa.dev/compare/crush-vs-opencode.md)