Roo Code Review 2026
Roo Code was a popular open-source coding agent for VS Code, known for specialized modes, custom modes, MCP integrations, broad model support, and flexible agent workflows. However, the official Roo Code extension was shut down on May 15, 2026, and its main repository was archived.
Methodology: This review is based on the official archived GitHub repository, Roo Code documentation, and 2026 release notes. It is written as a current status review, not as a recommendation for a new long-term workflow.
What Happened to Roo Code?
The official Roo Code GitHub repository states that the extension was shut down on May 15, 2026. The repository was archived on the same date and is now read-only.
The archive directs users toward ZooCode, a community fork, and Cline, the project from which Roo Code originated. Existing users with billing questions are directed to Roo Code's billing contact.
What Was Roo Code?
Roo Code was an Apache-2.0 open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code. It could read and edit files, run commands, reason about repositories, use external tools through MCP, and adapt its behavior through specialized modes.
Key Features Roo Code Offered
- Multi-file editing
- Codebase indexing
- Terminal tools
- Specialized agent modes
- Custom modes
- MCP tools and servers
- Multiple model providers
- Auto-approval controls
- Subtasks and orchestration
- Marketplace integrations
Earlier versions also supported browser automation, but official release notes say browser automation was removed in version 3.48.0.
Modes and Custom Modes
Roo Code's mode system was one of its most distinctive features. Built-in modes included Code, Architect, Ask, and Debug, while Custom Modes let users define specialized personas, instructions, tool permissions, and workflows.
This approach made Roo Code attractive to teams that wanted separate planning, implementation, debugging, documentation, or review agents inside one extension.
MCP and Model Providers
Roo Code supported Model Context Protocol integrations, allowing it to call external tools, APIs, and services. It also supported a wide range of model providers and OpenAI-compatible endpoints.
That model-agnostic design reduced vendor lock-in and made it possible to choose different models for different tasks, budgets, and privacy requirements.
Pricing and Costs
Roo Code itself was open source. The effective cost depended on the selected model provider and usage. Official documentation calculated estimated API costs by model and provider.
Because the official extension is now shut down, historical pricing is no longer a reason to adopt the product. Any fork or alternative will have its own cost model.
Security and Maintenance Risk
Archived software does not receive normal feature development, compatibility updates, or routine security fixes. Even if an archived release still runs, it may become incompatible with newer VS Code versions, providers, APIs, or dependencies.
For production repositories, proprietary code, or regulated environments, building a new workflow on archived software creates unnecessary operational and security risk.
Best Roo Code Alternatives
Cline
The closest actively maintained alternative and the project from which Roo Code originated. Best for open-source flexibility, MCP, model choice, and permission-based workflows.
ZooCode
A community fork referenced by the official Roo Code archive. Evaluate its current maintenance, governance, releases, and security before adoption.
Claude Code
Best for terminal-first repository work, command execution, MCP, and tightly integrated Anthropic workflows.
Cursor or Windsurf
Better for developers who prefer a maintained, dedicated AI-first editor with integrated agents and commercial support.
Pros and Cons
Historical strengths
- Open source
- Flexible custom modes
- Broad provider support
- MCP extensibility
- Strong community interest
- Useful specialized-agent workflow
Current weaknesses
- Official extension shut down
- Repository archived
- No active official maintenance
- Security and compatibility risk
- Not suitable for new production workflows
- Browser automation removed before shutdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roo Code still available in 2026?
The official Roo Code extension was shut down on May 15, 2026, and the main GitHub repository was archived and made read-only.
Can I still install Roo Code?
Existing copies or archived releases may still be obtainable, but the official extension is no longer an active product. New users should choose an actively maintained alternative.
What happened to Roo Code?
Roo Code, Inc. shut down the Roo Code extension on May 15, 2026. Its repository and documentation remain available for reference.
Was Roo Code open source?
Yes. The project used the Apache 2.0 license and its source code remains available in an archived GitHub repository.
What were Roo Code's main features?
Roo Code offered specialized modes, custom modes, multi-file editing, codebase indexing, MCP integrations, model-provider choice, terminal tools, and agent orchestration.
Did Roo Code support MCP?
Yes. Roo Code supported Model Context Protocol servers and tools, allowing it to connect to external APIs, services, and data sources.
Did Roo Code support multiple models?
Yes. Roo Code was model-agnostic and supported a wide range of providers and OpenAI-compatible endpoints.
Did Roo Code support browser automation?
Earlier versions included browser automation, but official 2026 release notes state that browser automation was removed in version 3.48.0.
Was Roo Code free?
Roo Code was open source and generally free as software, while model inference costs depended on the provider and model used.
Is Roo Code safe to use now?
Running archived software carries maintenance and security risks. New production workflows should use an actively maintained alternative.
What are the best Roo Code alternatives?
The official archive points users toward ZooCode, a community fork, and Cline, the project from which Roo Code originated.
Should I build a new workflow around Roo Code?
No. Because the official extension is shut down and the repository is archived, it is better to use a maintained alternative.
Final Verdict
Roo Code was an influential open-source coding agent with excellent ideas around specialized modes, model choice, MCP integrations, and customizable workflows.
But in 2026, the decisive fact is that the official extension is shut down and the repository is archived. It should be treated as a historical project and a source of ideas, not as a recommended foundation for a new development workflow.