Side vs Merlin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Side and Merlin comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Side wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. ChatGPT is our free AI Assistants pick. Pick Merlin if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Side
Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Merlin requires payment)
Merlin
Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
Best for you if:
- • Small teams collaborating with coding agents in Slack, Linear, and GitHub
| At a Glance | Side | Merlin |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | AI Assistants Productivity | AI Assistants AI Agents |
Rating | n/a | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Requires separate Claude or Codex subscriptions billed additionally |
Choose Side or Merlin?
Choose Side if
- You want a fully free tool (Merlin requires payment)
- You want quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow
- You want bring-your-own-provider approach means you control costs and data
Choose Merlin if
- Small teams collaborating with coding agents in Slack, Linear, and GitHub
- You want assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
In-Depth Analysis
Side
Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away
Strengths
- Pro: Quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow
- Pro: Bring-your-own-provider approach means you control costs and data
- Pro: Lightweight, unobtrusive interface that lives beside the Dock
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires your own AI provider account and may incur usage charges
- Con: Limited to text chat; doesn't read your screen or run shell commands
Key features
Merlin
Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
Merlin's Free tier is generous for small teams but limited to 1,000 requests and 5 users.
Watch out
Requires separate Claude or Codex subscriptions billed additionally
Key features
Pricing: Side vs Merlin
| Plan | Side | Merlin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | 0 month Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | 99 month Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Side pricing and Merlin pricing.
Key Takeaways
Side
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Merlin
- Choose if you want assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
The Bottom Line
Side wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. ChatGPT is our free AI Assistants pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Side or Merlin better in 2026?
Side wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. ChatGPT is our free AI Assistants pick. Pick Side for AI assistants workflows (main strength: quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow). Pick Merlin for AI assistants workflows.
What are Side and Merlin used for?
Side: Your favorite AI models, always a keystroke away. Merlin: Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub.
What does Side cost vs Merlin?
Side is free. Merlin pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Side and Merlin?
Side's main strength: quick access via a universal keyboard shortcut keeps you in your flow. Merlin focuses on assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub.