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Mentat, Joute's Review

Review of Mentat, the CLI code assistant that can edit multiple files at once. Pricing, alternatives, who it's for.

J
The Jouster
Tests AI tools for real, from Paris
Updated
4 min read
Tool fact sheet
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Mentat
mentat.ai
0/ 10
Joute score
Price
Free
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Obsolescence risk0/10 · Risky
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Evolution des prix
Historique pricing
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Mentat interface in use
Mentat : in use 1

Mentat in brief

A solid open source CLI code agent but less active than Aider or Cline on recent development.

  • PriceFree
  • CategoryCode
  • RecommendedWith caveats

The Essentials

  • Python CLI agent to edit code files in natural language
  • Free and open source, BYOK
  • Can modify multiple files simultaneously in a single prompt
  • Direct competition with Aider in the CLI agent segment

What is Mentat?

Mentat is a command-line code assistant that, like Aider, lets you describe in natural language what you want to change in your codebase, and the tool makes the changes directly in the files. The main difference from Aider: Mentat natively handles modifications across multiple files in a single instruction without requiring you to specify them explicitly.

Strengths

Native multi-file

You can ask "refactor this architecture" and Mentat identifies and modifies all relevant files. Aider often requires explicitly specifying files.

Free BYOK

No subscription. You provide your OpenAI API key or other compatible model.

Open source

Code is available, auditable and modifiable.

Limits

Less active development than Aider

The GitHub repo shows less recent activity. Aider and Cline have more sustained release cycles.

Fewer advanced features

No git integration as clean as Aider (automatic commits, clean diffs).

Pricing

Free (BYOK: you provide your own LLM API key).

Alternatives

For the most complete CLI agent: Aider is more mature and active. For VS Code: Cline or Continue. For advanced agentic work: Claude Code.

Verdict

Mentat is a valid option for anyone wanting a free open source CLI agent. But Aider is overall more mature, better documented and more actively developed. Test both to see which fits better in your workflow.

FAQ

Does Mentat support Claude or only OpenAI?

Mentat supports multiple providers via API keys. Check documentation for supported models.

How to install Mentat?

Via pip: pip install mentat. Check the GitHub repo for up-to-date instructions.

Can Mentat be used on Windows?

Python being cross-platform, Mentat theoretically works on Windows but the experience is optimized for Unix/macOS.

Mentat vs Aider, which to choose in 2026?

Aider. More development activity, better community support, more features.

Joute may earn a commission on subscriptions taken out via links in this article. This doesn't change our reviews.

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Screenshots Mentat

4
Mentat interface in use
In use 1
Mentat dashboard view
In use 2
Mentat in action, code AI tool
In use 3
Mentat app screen
In use 4
The Jouster's verdict

Mentat : 0/10.

A solid open source CLI code agent but less active than Aider or Cline on recent development..

Test Mentat yourself

A free trial is available. Plan thirty minutes to form your own opinion.

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