Goose is a general-purpose, code-capable AI agent that’s free and open source (Apache 2.0). Originally from Block, it now sits under the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation, and its repository moved to aaif-goose/goose.

There are no paid plans: you connect your own model provider or subscription. It can also run as an ACP server inside Zed, JetBrains IDEs and VS Code.

Who it’s for

People who want a capable agent with no vendor subscription at all, and teams that want to build their own agent on an open foundation. Goose describes itself as “not just for code”, so it also suits research, writing and automation work.

What stands out

  • Built on MCP. Extensions are MCP servers, with more than 70 documented, and MCP Apps can show interactive interfaces in the desktop app.
  • Recipes. Portable YAML workflows you can share and run in CI.
  • Works inside your editor. Runs as an ACP server in Zed, JetBrains and VS Code, and can drive Claude Code or Codex as providers.
  • Safety features. Prompt-injection detection, tool permissions, a sandbox mode and an “adversary reviewer”.
  • Build your own. The goose Development Kit and an embeddable API let you build custom agents and branded distributions.

Drawbacks and things to watch

  • Recent removals. Version 1.55.0 removed background subagents and the orchestrator, and 1.54.0 removed Nostr session sharing.
  • macOS desktop lagging. The latest release, 1.59.1 (November 14), says macOS desktop builds are “coming soon”.
  • Quality depends on your model. Goose is only as good as the model you connect, and local models need tool-calling support.

Privacy and security

Goose has no hosted service of its own. Anonymous usage data is opt-in and excludes conversations, code and personal data; your prompts go to your chosen provider. Because there’s no vendor service, there’s no SOC 2 report to request.

Getting started

Install the CLI with the script from the Goose installation docs, or the macOS desktop app with brew install --cask block-goose. Linux has DEB, RPM and Flatpak packages, and Windows has an installer. Then run goose configure to pick a provider.

Plans and prices

Goose plans
PlanPriceWhat you get
GooseFreeOpen source; bring your own model provider or subscription.

Goose FAQ

Is Goose free?

Yes. Goose is free and open source (Apache 2.0) with no paid plans. You pay only your model provider, or use a subscription you already have.

Does Goose work with local models?

Yes. It supports Ollama, LM Studio, Docker Model Runner, Ramalama, Lemonade and Atomic Chat. Local models need tool-calling support, or you have to turn extensions off.

Can I use my Claude or ChatGPT subscription with Goose?

Yes, through ACP. Goose can use Claude Code (with a Claude plan) or Codex (with ChatGPT Plus or Pro) as providers.

Does Goose collect my data?

Only if you agree. Anonymous usage data is opt-in, Goose asks on first use, and it excludes conversations, code and personal data. Your prompts go to whichever model provider you choose, under that provider's policy.

Is Goose only for coding?

No. It's a general-purpose agent that also handles research, writing, automation and data analysis, though it's code-capable and popular with developers.

Latest changes

Nov 10, 2026releaseGoose 1.59 makes live voice configurable and lets subagents resumeNov 9, 2026releaseGoose 1.58 adds a context-window viewer and new providers

Sources

Facts last checked November 15, 2026.