Side by side
Pragma vs SHAI
Both stand on ai coding assistants. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Pragma organizes parallel coding-agent work with isolated branches, review controls and extensibility. Its tunnel-based remote access and credential model are important setup considerations.
Visit Pragma Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted
SHAI combines terminal coding assistance with automation, model-provider choice, and service interfaces. Developers should plan for authentication or provider configuration if anonymous usage limits are insufficient.
Visit SHAIThe facts
| Pragma | SHAI | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | SHAI |
| Website | pragma-app.sh | labs.ovhcloud.com |
| On ai coding assistants | #63 of 103 | #59 of 103 |
Pragma: what it does well
- Runs agents in separate Git worktrees
- Compares multiple prompt attempts
- Includes GitHub pull request workflows
- Supports scheduled and event automations
- Open source under GNU AGPLv3
What to know first
- Mobile access requires a user-configured tunnel
- AI features use the user's provider credentials
- Gateway routes require a bearer token
SHAI: what it does well
- Reads and writes code and executes commands
- Supports multi-step development workflows
- Runs headlessly in pipelines and servers
- Works with OVHcloud, OpenAI, and compatible endpoints
- Provides MCP, OAuth, and HTTP API options
What to know first
- Anonymous OVHcloud use is rate limited
- Terminal-focused rather than graphical
- Another provider may require authentication and an API key