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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

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

Cline logo
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
Amazon Q Developer logo

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

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
Continue logo
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
Cody logo
Codyfree

AI assistant using Sourcegraph code graph to understand entire codebase

Editorially selectedBoth IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
Augment Code logo

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
Kilo Code logo

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

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents
Amp logo
Amppaid

Frontier coding agent for terminal and editor built by Sourcegraph

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin, agents
Qodo logo
Qodopaid

AI assistant focused on code quality reviews and test generation

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
Roo Code logo

Open-source VS Code extension forked from Cline with extra features

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
Gemini Code Assist logo

Google's AI coding assistant for IDEs

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
JetBrains AI logo

Deeply integrated AI assistant for JetBrains IDEs

Both IDE Plugin ai assistant toolsShared: ai assistant, ide plugin
Tabnine logo

Fast AI code completions you can run locally for privacy

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

Frequently asked questions

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 there a free alternative to GitHub Copilot?
Yes. Cline is available for free. Autonomous AI coding agent for VS Code connecting CLI and editor via natural commands
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.

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