OpenCode Zen

OpenCode Zen is opencode's curated model service -- a carefully selected and tested collection of LLMs optimized for software engineering tasks. It provides consolidated billing, verified reliability, and simplified setup.

Setup

Step 1: Connect to OpenCode Zen

In the opencode TUI, run:

/connect

Select OpenCode Zen from the provider list.

Step 2: Sign In and Get Your API Key

A URL will be displayed, typically https://opencode.ai/auth. Open this URL in your browser.

1. Sign in with your account (or create one using email, GitHub, or Google)
2. Navigate to the API Keys section
3. Generate a new API key
4. Copy the key

Step 3: Enter the API Key

Back in the opencode TUI, paste the API key when prompted. The connection is established immediately.

Step 4: Verify the Connection

Run /models to see the available OpenCode Zen models:

/models

You should see a list of models with their tier, estimated context window, and pricing information.

Using OpenCode Zen

Selecting a Model

Switch between models in the TUI:

/models

Or in non-interactive mode:

opencode run "Refactor this module" --model claude-sonnet-4-20250514

Set as Default

Make OpenCode Zen your default provider in the config:

{
  "provider": {
    "name": "zen",
    "model": "claude-sonnet-4-20250514"
  }
}

Model Aliases

OpenCode Zen models may use friendly aliases. For example:

zen/claude-sonnet
zen/gpt-4o
zen/gemini-flash

These aliases automatically point to the latest tested version of each model, so you don't need to update your config when new versions are released.

tip

Model aliases always point to the latest tested version — no config updates needed when new versions release.

Billing

How Billing Works

OpenCode Zen charges per-token, with rates varying by model tier. You are billed for:

• Input tokens: The prompt and context sent to the model
• Output tokens: The response generated by the model
• Tool call tokens: Structured tool invocations

Pricing is transparent and displayed when you select a model in /models.

Managing Usage

Monitor your usage and costs:

opencode stats

This shows token counts and estimated costs per session and overall.

Billing Dashboard

Visit opencode.ai to:

• View detailed usage breakdowns
• Set spending limits
• Download invoices
• Update payment methods
• View usage history

Prepaid vs Postpaid

OpenCode Zen supports both prepaid (credit-based) and postpaid (invoice-based) billing depending on your account type.

Comparison: OpenCode Zen vs Direct Providers

Aspect	OpenCode Zen	Direct Provider
Setup	One key	Multiple accounts, keys, billing setups
Billing	Single invoice	Separate invoices per provider
Model selection	Curated, tested lineup	Full catalog (including experimental/unstable)
Reliability	Verified by opencode team	Varies by provider
Rate limits	Transparent, consistent	Vary by provider and plan
Data handling	Per opencode.ai policy	Per provider policy
Model updates	Tested before availability	Immediate on provider release

What's Next

• Key Features -- Full capabilities overview
• CLI Usage -- Non-interactive usage with Zen
• Subscription -- Compare Zen, Go, and Enterprise