What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is a code & dev tool and free to start, with paid upgrades. Your AI pair programmer, free for students and open source. We rate it 9.0/10 after hands-on testing. If it is not the right fit, there are 4 strong free and open-source alternatives.
GitHub Copilot at a glance
| Category | Code & Dev |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Free version | ✓ Yes |
| Open source | No |
| Our score | 9.0/10 |
| Partner deal | — |
Why we rate GitHub Copilot
- Has a genuinely free version — no credit card to start.
- One of the highest-scoring tools in its category on our tests.
- Easy to swap in or out — 4 close alternatives if it is not a fit.
GitHub Copilot FAQ
Is GitHub Copilot free?
GitHub Copilot has a free plan you can use without paying; paid tiers unlock more.
Is GitHub Copilot open source?
No, GitHub Copilot is not open source. If you want an open-source option, browse the alternatives below.
What are the best GitHub Copilot alternatives?
Our top free and open-source GitHub Copilot alternatives are Continue, Tabby, Aider. See the full list on our alternatives page.
How do we rate GitHub Copilot?
We score GitHub Copilot 9.0 out of 10 after hands-on testing, weighing the free tier, output quality, ease of use and value. Scores are decided before any partnership and never bought.
