Same Grok brain. Different surface. Here’s how the workspace stacks up against the raw CLI and a typical IDE plugin — so you can pick the right tool for the job.
Comparisons are product-level, not exhaustive. “IDE plugin” means a common in-editor agent UX (chat + inline edits), not any single vendor.
| Capability | Groking | Raw Grok CLI | IDE plugin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live diffsSee every file change as it streams | YesSide-by-side, reviewable | Terminal onlyText patches / logs | OftenVaries by plugin |
| Approve shellGate commands before they run | Yesask · edits · always + allowlists | LimitedCLI flags / trust modes | SometimesOften auto-run tools |
| Multi-projectSwitch folders without losing state | YesProjects + multi-session | cwd-basedNew shell per repo | Workspace-boundTied to open folder |
| Phone remoteReview & approve on mobile | YesResponsive + installable PWA | NoTerminal required | RareDesktop IDE first |
| Session resumeContinue after close / reboot | YesCheckpoints + history | PartialIf you keep the process | Chat historyOften not full agent state |
| Install on your machineCode never leaves your box by default | YesMac · Windows · Linux | YesOfficial CLI | Cloud mixSome send context off-box |
| Pricing transparencyClear product price, BYO model account | YesFree · credits · Pro $29 · Team $99 · Life $199 | CLI free**Usage on your xAI plan | VariesOften bundled / opaque tiers |
| Project memory / briefsSticky context per repo | YesProject briefs across sessions | ManualYou re-prompt or use files | Rules / .mdDepends on product |
Install on your machine, paste your license, and drive Grok Build with live diffs and approvals.
You need your own Grok/xAI account (separate cost). Groking’s license unlocks the workspace UI on your install.