Best GitHub Copilot Alternatives

GitHub Copilot is the AI pair programmer built into GitHub, VS Code, and JetBrains. If it doesn't fit your pricing, workflow, or feature needs, here are 2 alternatives worth comparing — including options with a free plan.

Looking for the original? See the full GitHub Copilot listing.

At a Glance

ToolBest forPricingFree planOpen sourcevs GitHub Copilot
Cursor logoCursorA dedicated AI editor with more aggressive multi-file agent powers, preferred by many full-time builders.
Windsurf logoWindsurfDevelopers who want an agent-first editorFreemium · from $15/mo (Pro)Agent-first editor with the Cascade workflow and a generous free tier, at a lower Pro price.

Quick Picks

Best free alternative
Windsurf

Agent-first editor with the Cascade workflow and a generous free tier, at a lower Pro price.

All GitHub Copilot Alternatives

Cursor

Cursor

AI-powered code editor that helps developers write, edit, and understand code faster with intelligent assistance.

AICode Editor
Windsurf

Windsurf

An agentic AI editor where Cascade plans and executes multi-step coding tasks.

AICode Editor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best GitHub Copilot alternative?

Cursor is the top-listed GitHub Copilot alternative on this page — a dedicated AI editor with more aggressive multi-file agent powers, preferred by many full-time builders. The right choice depends on your budget, workflow, and required integrations, so compare the table above before deciding.

Is there a free alternative to GitHub Copilot?

Yes. Windsurf offers a free plan, with paid plans from $15/mo (Pro). Other listings may also include free tiers — check the Free plan column in the comparison table.

Is there an open-source alternative to GitHub Copilot?

None of the alternatives listed here are open source at the moment. If self-hosting matters to you, check each tool's documentation for deployment options.

How were these GitHub Copilot alternatives selected?

Each alternative solves a similar core task and is an active listing in the directory. The one-line difference next to each tool summarizes how it diverges from GitHub Copilot in pricing, focus, or capability.