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Open source GitHub Copilot alternatives

Top AI Coding Assistants like GitHub Copilot

The most popular alternative to GitHub Copilot is Continue, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to GitHub Copilot are Cline and Aider.

Most alternatives to GitHub Copilot are in the AI Coding Assistants category, compared here by price, platform and features.

GitHub Copilot alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All GitHub Copilot alternatives

  1. Continue is an open source extension for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs that adds AI chat, autocomplete, inline edits and an agent mode. Its main appeal is flexibility: you choose the models, from commercial APIs to local models through Ollama, and add rules, prompts and context providers that a team can share. With local models, code never has to leave your machine.

    9 Continue alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source, with a free choice of models
    • Works with local models, so code can stay on your machine
    • Shared rules and prompts help teams standardize usage

    Cons

    • Setup takes more effort than turnkey assistants
    • Quality depends on the models you configure
    • Local models need capable hardware to run smoothly
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  2. Cline is an open source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code and compatible editors. It plans tasks, creates and edits files, runs terminal commands and can drive a browser to test web apps, asking for approval at each step unless you grant more autonomy. You bring your own API key for providers like Anthropic, OpenAI and Google or use local models, and MCP servers extend what it can do.

    9 Cline alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source agent that runs inside VS Code
    • Bring your own API key or use local models
    • Asks for approval at each step, keeping you in control

    Cons

    • API costs can climb quickly on long agent tasks
    • Step-by-step approvals can slow down routine work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  3. Aider is an open source command-line tool for pair programming with large language models. It maps your repository so the model understands the codebase, edits multiple files in place and commits each change to git with a descriptive message, which makes edits easy to review or undo. It works with models from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, DeepSeek or local ones, accepts voice input and can lint and test after edits.

    8 Aider alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source, and works with any model, including local ones
    • Commits each change to git for easy review and rollback
    • Repository map gives the model context across the codebase

    Cons

    • Terminal-only workflow is less approachable than IDE tools
    • Model API costs are on you unless you run local models
    • Results depend heavily on the model you choose
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source

GitHub Copilot vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of GitHub Copilot, compared with its most popular alternatives.

GitHub Copilot vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAutonomous coding agentChat with your codebaseCode completionIntegrationsTerminal integration
GitHub CopilotFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux
ContinueFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ClineFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
AiderFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

GitHub Copilot alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to GitHub Copilot?

The most popular alternative to GitHub Copilot is Continue: Open source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains, with any model. Other great alternatives are Cline and Aider.

Is there a free alternative to GitHub Copilot?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Continue, Cline, and Aider.

Is there an open source alternative to GitHub Copilot?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Continue, Cline, and Aider.

Is GitHub Copilot free?

GitHub Copilot has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare GitHub Copilot with its alternatives

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