Claude Science
Decision note
Claude Science is a vertical workbench surface, not just another model host. Its differentiator is workflow topology — local and remote execution, curated domain skills and connectors, artifact provenance, reviewer-agent checks, and lab-compute orchestration — rather than a benchmark score. It launched 2026-06-30 and is gated by Claude subscription and admin enablement, so confirm access before committing a team to it.
Fit
- Best fit
- Scientific research teams on a Claude subscription that need auditable, code-backed workflows across papers, data, figures, and lab compute — with reviewer-agent checks and local, SSH, or HPC execution.
- Not for
- Coding, RAG, JSON / Tool use, or general Agents workflows, where Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor-style surfaces are the right comparison set. It is not a notebook replacement and not a compliance guarantee.
Overview
AI workbench for scientists combining literature analysis, scientific artifacts, curated science skills, auditable outputs, and compute orchestration across local machines, lab infrastructure, or GPUs on demand.
Best LLMs for this agent
Use the current Opus-class Claude when the session needs stronger multi-step reasoning across papers, datasets, code, and artifact review. Anthropic does not name a fixed model for Claude Science in the launch post, so this is an LLM Reference recommendation rather than a vendor-stated default.
Use the current Sonnet-class Claude when cost and latency matter more than maximum reasoning depth. Anthropic states Claude Science is available to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise users, but does not state a fixed backing model in the launch post.
Pricing and Provider Comparison
Agent access tiers
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $20/mo | Claude Science access on macOS and Linux; more usage than Free, Claude Code, Claude Cowork, Claude Design, Research, projects, connectors, and additional Claude models |
| Max | $100/mo | Claude Science access with 5x or 20x more usage than Pro, higher output limits, early access to advanced Claude features, and priority access at high-traffic times |
| Team | $25/mo | Claude Science access for teams of 5 to 150; standard seats include all Claude features plus more usage than Pro. Admin enablement required. |
| Enterprise | $20/mo | Claude Science access with seat price plus usage at API rates; admins can set user and org spend limits. Admin enablement required. |
Featured Model Specs
| Model | Lab | Released | Context | Reasoning | Openness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Sonnet 5 | Anthropic | 2026-06-30 | 1m | Yes | Proprietary |
| Claude Opus 4.8 | Anthropic | 2026-05-28 | 1m | Yes | Proprietary |
Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Lab | Default | Access tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Opus 4.8 | Anthropic | Yes | Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise | LLMReference recommendation for deep scientific workflows; Anthropic has not named a fixed Claude Science backing model. Team and Enterprise admins must enable the app. |
| Claude Sonnet 5 | Anthropic | No | Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise | LLMReference balanced recommendation when latency and included subscription capacity matter more than Opus-class reasoning depth; Anthropic has not named a fixed Claude Science backing model. |
Underlying Models
Capabilities
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Chat | Yes |
| Agent mode | Yes |
| Multi-file edit | Yes |
| Autocomplete | No |
| Terminal | No |
| Code review | No |
| Git integration | No |
| Deploy integration | No |
| Local models | No |
| Bring your own key | No |
| MCP support | No |
| Offline mode | No |
| IP indemnity | No |
| SSO | Yes |
| On-prem | No |