All comparisons

OpenCode vs Roo

A head-to-head look at OpenCode and Roo — two popular AI coding agents — and how BuySkills fits into each workflow.

Terminal CLI

OpenCode

OpenCode is an open-source, terminal-based AI coding agent that works with any provider — Anthropic, OpenAI, local models, and more. Its provider-agnostic design makes it a favorite for developers who want portability.

OpenCode plugins on BuySkills

Editor extension

Roo

Roo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code with a multi-mode workflow: code, architect, ask, and custom modes tuned for different tasks. It's the upstream of several forks in the space.

Roo plugins on BuySkills

Side-by-side

Dimension OpenCode Roo
Surface Terminal CLI Editor extension
In a nutshell Open-source terminal AI coding agent Multi-mode autonomous coding agent for VS Code
BuySkills install command npx buyskills install <skill> npx buyskills install <skill>
Cross-agent skill sharing Yes — via BuySkills Yes — via BuySkills

Use both with a single skill catalog

You don't have to pick. BuySkills lets you install a skill once and use it across OpenCode, Roo, and every other supported AI coding agent — without repurchasing or reconfiguring.

  • One command to install in either agent: npx buyskills install <skill>
  • Skills pinned to a version you choose — OpenCode or Roo updates won't break your loop
  • Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Testing for OpenCode Refactoring for OpenCode Documentation for OpenCode Git Workflows for OpenCode Deployment for OpenCode Database for OpenCode

OpenCode vs Roo — FAQ

Should I pick OpenCode or Roo?

It depends on where you work. OpenCode is open-source terminal ai coding agent, while Roo is multi-mode autonomous coding agent for vs code. Many developers use both and share skills across them via BuySkills — so the choice is less binary than it used to be.

Can I use the same plugins in OpenCode and Roo?

Yes. BuySkills is designed for cross-agent portability. Install a skill once with the BuySkills CLI and it becomes available in both OpenCode and Roo — and every other supported agent — without a second purchase or install.

How is installing BuySkills skills different between OpenCode and Roo?

It isn't, from your side. You run `npx buyskills install <skill>`, and the CLI writes the skill to the directory each agent reads from. OpenCode and Roo pick up the skill without any extra config.

Does OpenCode support MCP alongside BuySkills skills?

Yes. OpenCode supports MCP servers and BuySkills skills in parallel. You can use MCP for long-running services and BuySkills for bundled, versioned capabilities — they do not conflict.

Which Roo modes can invoke BuySkills skills?

All of them. Roo's Code, Architect, Ask, and any custom modes you define can invoke BuySkills skills on demand. The skill catalog is shared across modes — install once, use everywhere.

Still deciding?

Install BuySkills CLI once and the skills you discover today work in whichever agent you pick tomorrow.

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