AI Agents
Short answer
An AI agent completes a task by taking actions, such as editing code, sending messages or updating records, rather than only answering. In 2026 the most widely available agents are coding agents bundled with chat subscriptions (Claude Code with paid Claude plans, Codex with several ChatGPT plans) and the free Gemini CLI. Support and workflow agents are sold by contract or usage.
Agents by domain
| Domain | Examples | How priced |
|---|---|---|
| Coding | Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI | Bundled with subscriptions; free tier for Gemini CLI |
| Customer support | Intercom Fin, Sierra | Per resolution or contract |
| Business workflows | Lindy, Zapier AI, n8n, Make | Plan tiers with task or credit limits |
| Computer use and browsing | Claude background computer use (reported), OpenAI agent features (reported) | Included in subscriptions or API usage |
Start here
New to agents? Read what an AI agent is and how MCP connects agents to tools. Choosing one? See the best AI agents in 2026 and Claude Code vs Cursor vs Codex.
Rules for deploying an agent
- Give the least access that works; start read-only.
- Require approval for sending, paying, deleting and merging.
- Log what the agent did and review a sample regularly.
- Estimate cost per task: agents make many model calls.
Every page in this section
- Best AI Agents in 2026: Coding, Support and Workflow
Coding, support and workflow AI agents compared by what they do, how they are priced and where they still need people. Claude, Codex, Cursor, Lindy and more.
Buyer's guide · updated 5 October 2026
What changed in this update
- Added a definition, a domain table and links to the new agent guides; removed unsourced autonomy scores.
Common questions
What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot?
A chatbot answers; an agent acts with tools to finish a task.
Which AI agent is free?
Gemini CLI has a free tier (1,000 requests a day with a personal Google account). Most other agents need a paid plan.
Sources
- Claude pricing · checked 5 October 2026
- openai/codex on GitHub · checked 5 October 2026
- google-gemini/gemini-cli on GitHub · checked 5 October 2026
- ThursdAI release log, September 2026 · checked 5 October 2026