Claude Code Pro vs Max vs API Key: Real Cost Comparison and Which Plan to Choose (2026)
February 19, 2026
Claude Code has three pricing tiers — Pro ($20/mo), Max ($100–$200/mo), and API Key (pay-per-use). This guide breaks down the real costs, usage limits, and ideal use cases for each, with a decision framework to find the most cost-effective plan for your workflow.







