Roo Code vs Ellipsis

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool

Roo Code

🔴Developer

AI Coding Assistant

Discontinued VS Code coding agent (shut down May 15, 2026). Known for custom "modes," per-mode MCP allow-lists, and Boomerang sub-agent tasks. Migrate to ZooCode or Cline.

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Starting Price

Custom

Ellipsis

🔴Developer

AI Coding Assistant

Automated AI code review and bug-fixing bot that comments on pull requests, answers code questions, and generates working, tested fixes — grounded in your codebase.

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Starting Price

Custom

Feature Comparison

Scroll horizontally to compare details.

FeatureRoo CodeEllipsis
CategoryAI Coding AssistantAI Coding Assistant
Pricing Plans210 tiers8 tiers
Starting Price
Key Features
  • Custom "modes": Architect, Code, Ask, Debug, and custom roles with per-mode system prompts
  • Per-mode MCP server allow-lists (Debug can call DevTools, Ask cannot)
  • In-editor MCP marketplace and server templates

    Roo Code - Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Open Apache 2.0 source is preserved — the interesting ideas (modes, per-mode MCP, Boomerang) live on
    • Historical proof point for per-mode agent design that successor tools are now adopting
    • BYOK meant no vendor lock-in for anyone who used it
    • Aggressive MCP support led the industry in the 2025–2026 window
    • Migration path is clear: ZooCode is a near drop-in replacement

    Cons

    • No longer maintained — do not adopt for new work in mid-2026 or later
    • No official support channel beyond billing questions
    • Any bugs, security issues, or breaking VS Code API changes will not be fixed by Roo Code, Inc.
    • Community forks (ZooCode) inherit a large codebase that has to be understood before it can be extended
    • Anyone with an active Enterprise contract needs a migration plan immediately

    Ellipsis - Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Codebase indexing produces context-aware reviews, not generic best-practice scolding
    • Auto-fix commits and test generation actually reduce reviewer time, not just add comments
    • YAML config lets senior engineers encode team conventions as enforced rules

    Cons

    • GitHub-only — no GitLab, Bitbucket, or self-hosted Git server support today
    • Per-seat pricing is not publicly listed; requires sales conversation to model cost
    • Auto-pushed fix commits need careful CODEOWNERS and branch-protection setup to stay safe

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