goose
by Agentic AI Foundation (Linux Foundation)
Open source on-machine AI agent with CLI and desktop app
Reviewed by the the30top research team · Last reviewed 2026-10-27
Overview
goose is a general-purpose, open source agent built in Rust that runs locally, with a native desktop app for macOS, Linux and Windows, a CLI and an embeddable API. It connects to 15+ providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Ollama and Bedrock, and to 70+ extensions through MCP. It is part of the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation, and as a general-purpose agent rather than a coding-only tool it offers less coding-specific polish than dedicated products.
Our verdict
A flexible open source agent with a healthy ecosystem and neutral governance. Expect to do your own setup and policy work.
Best for
Developers who want a free local agent that can also automate non-coding tasks through MCP.
Avoid if
You want a dedicated coding product with enterprise support.
Pros
- Free, Apache-2.0 and community governed
- Desktop app plus CLI
- Large MCP extension ecosystem
Cons
- General purpose rather than coding only
- No vendor support or compliance reports
- You manage model keys and cost
Key capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Is goose free?
Yes. goose is open source under Apache-2.0. You supply model access through API keys or existing subscriptions.
Who maintains goose?
The repository states goose is part of the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation.
Does goose support MCP?
Yes. It connects to 70+ extensions through the Model Context Protocol.