Agentic AI Comparison:
Claude Code vs GLM‑4.5
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Introduction
Claude Code by Anthropic and GLM-4.5 by Zhipu AI are two advanced AI coding assistants. This report compares them across five dimensions: authonomy, ease of use, flexibility, cost, and popularity, using publicly available information and benchmarks as of October 2025.
Overview
Claude Code
Claude Code is a proprietary coding assistant built on Anthropic’s Claude models, designed for security, reliability, and smooth integration into enterprise workflows. It offers high-quality outputs and strong coding capabilities but is only available through Anthropic’s platform.
GLM‑4.5
GLM-4.5 is an open-source coding model from Zhipu AI. It provides comparable performance to Claude Code but at a much lower cost, allows for self-hosting and custom deployment, and is designed for flexibility and broad accessibility through community support.
Metrics Comparison
authonomy
Claude Code: 6
Claude Code is closed-source and only accessible via Anthropic’s platform, limiting control, deployment, and customization opportunities for users.
GLM‑4.5: 9
GLM-4.5 is open-source, allowing users to self-host, fine-tune, and integrate as desired. This grants developers substantial autonomy over deployment and model management.
GLM-4.5 is significantly superior in authonomy due to its open-source nature and permissive deployment options.
ease of use
Claude Code: 8
Claude Code features a polished UX and is integrated with Anthropic’s services, designed for ease of use and reliability. Most users require minimal setup.
GLM‑4.5: 7
GLM-4.5 is developer-friendly but requires self-hosting or third-party deployment. It is less plug-and-play for non-technical users but flexible for engineering teams.
Claude Code is slightly ahead in ease of use for non-technical users and enterprise environments, while GLM-4.5 is easier for those comfortable with technical deployment.
flexibility
Claude Code: 7
While Claude Code supports a wide range of coding tasks and integrates with popular workflows, its closed architecture essentially restricts deep customization or niche deployments.
GLM‑4.5: 9
GLM-4.5's open-source license allows unlimited customization, fine-tuning, and integration into diverse environments. Developers can modify model behavior and scale as needed.
GLM-4.5 offers a much higher degree of flexibility, suitable for custom pipelines, research, and unique production deployments.
cost
Claude Code: 5
Claude Code requires an Anthropic subscription, which is significantly more expensive for heavy or team usage compared to open alternatives.
GLM‑4.5: 10
GLM-4.5 can be self-hosted for free or used via Zhipu's plan; pricing is typically 7x-20x lower than Claude Code, with a $3/month option for individuals and low enterprise costs.
GLM-4.5 dramatically undercuts Claude Code on cost, especially for frequent or team usage.
popularity
Claude Code: 8
Claude Code benefits from a strong reputation, enterprise trust, and wide adoption, especially in US/EU markets. It's well established and often referenced in developer and enterprise circles.
GLM‑4.5: 7
GLM-4.5 is quickly gaining traction, especially among open source and price-conscious developers, but its community is smaller and less mature than Anthropic’s global user base.
Claude Code is more popular globally and especially within enterprises, while GLM-4.5 is rising rapidly in developer and open-source communities.
Conclusions
Claude Code excels in usability and enterprise penetration, but its closed nature limits user autonomy, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. GLM-4.5 offers near-parity coding performance, overwhelmingly better authonomy, flexibility, and cost metrics, making it the preferred choice for developers seeking control and value. Claude Code remains optimal for those who prioritize managed services and seamless user experience.