OpenCode uses a primary/subagent model inside one session (helpers report back), while Claude Code agent teams run multiple independent sessions that can message each other directly and coordinate via a shared task list.
Pros
- Lower overhead and token cost than fully parallel sessions.
- Fine-grained tool/permission control per agent via config.
- Reusable skills defined in repo or user config, loaded on-demand.
- Centralized control reduces conflicting edits.
Cons
- Subagents do not coordinate with each other directly.
- Parallelism is limited to helper tasks that report back.
- Less suited for long-running, independent workstreams.
Pros
- True parallel work with independent contexts.
- Teammates can debate and coordinate directly.
- Shared task list supports self-coordination and dependency tracking.
- Strong fit for multi-track research/debug/features.
Cons
- Higher token cost and coordination overhead.
- Greater risk of drift or duplicated effort.
- Experimental with known limitations (resume/shutdown, etc.).