What are the best alternatives to GitHub Copilot?

The top alternatives to GitHub Copilot include Cline, Amazon Q Developer, Continue. All are ai assistant tools that support ide plugin workflows.

Is Cline better than GitHub Copilot?

Cline and GitHub Copilot serve similar purposes as ai assistant tools. Cline: Autonomous AI coding agent for VS Code connecting CLI and editor via natural commands GitHub Copilot: AI pair programmer with code completion chat and agent mode for agentic coding The best choice depends on your workflow and requirements.

How many alternatives to GitHub Copilot are there?

We track 12 alternatives to GitHub Copilot across categories including AI Assistant.

Best GitHub Copilot Alternatives (2026)

GitHub Copilot is a paid ai assistant tool (ide plugin). AI pair programmer with code completion chat and agent mode for agentic coding. We found 12 alternatives worth considering.

Quick verdict

Most similar: Cline
Best free option: Cline

Why look for GitHub Copilot alternatives?

Cost — GitHub Copilot requires a paid plan (Pro), and free or cheaper options exist.
Editor lock-in — GitHub Copilot may only support certain IDEs. Alternatives cover different editors.
Workflow fit — every team is different; the best tool depends on your stack and preferences.

Top 12 Alternatives to GitHub Copilot

Clinefree

Autonomous AI coding agent for VS Code connecting CLI and editor via natural commands

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents

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Amazon Q Developerpaid

Build and refactor AWS apps faster with AI that understands your stack

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin

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Continueopen-source

Open-source plugin to create custom AI copilots in VS Code or JetBrains

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin

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Codyfree

AI assistant using Sourcegraph code graph to understand entire codebase

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin

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Augment Codepaid

Context-aware AI agent for large repos that navigates and writes fixes like a senior dev

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents

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Kilo Codefree

Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains supporting 500+ models

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents

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Amppaid

Frontier coding agent for terminal and editor built by Sourcegraph

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents

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