Review · Z.ai (Zhipu AI)
GLM Coding Plan Review: Z.ai Models for Claude Code and Cline
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · 1 min read
Fact-checked against official vendor pages · How we review
The GLM Coding Plan from Z.ai is a subscription that powers AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Cline and OpenCode with GLM-5.3 models. Plans start at $18/mo (Lite), with Pro and Max quotas.
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Quick verdict
The GLM Coding Plan is a budget-friendly way to run agentic coding tools with a strong model. Start with Lite; move to Pro if you hit the 5-hour limit often.
At a glance
- What it does
- Subscription to GLM-5.3 models for AI coding agents
- Best for
- Developers who use agentic coding tools daily
- Platforms
- Claude Code, Cline, OpenCode, Codex and 20+ coding tools
- Free plan
- No
- Starting price
- Lite from $18/mo; Pro and Max priced on z.ai (reference November 14, 2026)
- Trial / refund
- No
Plans and quotas (reference)
| Plan | Price | Credits per 5 hours | Credits per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | From $18/mo | 2,000 | 10,000 |
| Pro | On z.ai | 12,000 | 60,000 |
| Max | On z.ai | 28,000 | 140,000 |
Reference · checked in Z.ai's GLM Coding Plan docs on November 14, 2026 (USD). Off-peak usage is charged at 50% of the standard credit rate.
Key features
- Access to GLM-5.3 and GLM-5.3-Flash
- Works with Claude Code, Cline, OpenCode, Codex, ZCode and more
- Credit quotas per 5 hours and per week
- 50% credit rate during off-peak hours
- Estimated weekly allowance of tens to hundreds of millions of tokens
How we reviewed
We have not run a long-term hands-on test yet. Plans, prices and features come from the vendor’s official pages, checked on the date shown.
Who it is for
- Developers using Claude Code or Cline every day
- Indie hackers who want predictable monthly AI costs
- Teams testing open-weight model alternatives
Free; Plus $16/mo; Super $32/mo; Pro $160/mo
Free; Pro $19.90/mo; Ultimate $49.90/mo
Who should skip it
- People who code only occasionally (pay-as-you-go API may be cheaper)
- Teams that require a specific model vendor for compliance
Alternatives
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works in Claude Code, Cline, OpenCode, Codex and 20+ tools
- Clear credit quotas per 5 hours and per week
- Off-peak usage counts at 50% of the credit rate
- Includes GLM-5.3 and GLM-5.3-Flash
Cons
- Only Lite's starting price is shown in the docs
- Quotas reset by 5-hour and weekly windows
- Requests for older GLM models are routed to GLM-5.3
Ready to try GLM Coding Plan?
Lite from $18/mo; Pro and Max priced on z.ai · No
Frequently asked questions
How much is the GLM Coding Plan?
Z.ai's documentation says plans start at $18/mo (Lite). Pro and Max prices are shown on the subscribe page.
Can I use GLM with Claude Code?
Yes. Z.ai lists Claude Code, ZCode, Codex, OpenCode and Cline among 20+ supported coding tools.
What are the GLM Coding Plan limits?
Credits per 5 hours / per week: Lite 2,000 / 10,000, Pro 12,000 / 60,000, Max 28,000 / 140,000 (checked November 14, 2026).
Sources checked
- Z.ai Docs — GLM Coding Plan overview · checked November 14, 2026
- Z.ai Docs — Usage policy · checked November 14, 2026
Prices are dated references checked on the vendor’s site and may change. We never host installers: download links always go to the official site.