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GitHub Copilot github.com

Free alternatives to GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot costs $10/mo on the Pro plan, or $120 a year. Here are 5 free and open-source options, what each one does, and what you give up compared with paying.

Prices checked Aug 14, 2026Can AI replace it? Half-bot

01At a glance

AlternativeTypeWhere it runsWorks on
ClineOpen sourceOn your deviceBrowser extension, Command line, Mac, Windows, Linux
Kilo CodeOpen sourceOne-click installBrowser extension, Command line, Mac, Windows, Linux
OpenCodeOpen sourceOn your deviceCommand line, Mac, Windows, Linux
TabbyOpen sourceYou host itBrowser extension, Your server
ZedOpen sourceHosted or self-hostedMac, Windows, Linux

02Each alternative, in detail

ClineOpen source

A code agent in your editor; the model bill is still yours.

Versus paying: It is agent-first and separately model-billed, with weaker low-latency inline completions and GitHub-native integration than Copilot.

Setup: Install from the VS Code or JetBrains marketplace, or install the Cline CLI

Watch for: Sign in to Cline or configure a provider API key or local model

65,800 GitHub stars (checked Aug 6, 2026)

cline.bot →
Kilo CodeOpen source

One open agent across VS Code, JetBrains and the terminal; inference still has a meter somewhere.

26,735 GitHub stars (checked Aug 6, 2026)

kilo.ai →
OpenCodeOpen source

A fast local coding agent with no loyalty to any model vendor.

Versus paying: It is agent-first and lacks Copilot's equally seamless inline completions and integration across GitHub and existing editors.

Setup: Install with the shell script, Homebrew, npm or Bun; a desktop app is also available

Watch for: Configure a provider credential or local model unless using a separately billed OpenCode model service

193,678 GitHub stars (checked Aug 6, 2026)

opencode.ai →
TabbyOpen source

Copilot-shaped completions and chat, paid for with your own GPU instead of a seat.

Versus paying: Completion quality and latency depend on the chosen model and hardware, and the GitHub and editor experience is less turnkey than Copilot.

Setup: Run the server from Docker or a standalone binary, then connect an editor extension

Watch for: Download and size suitable models, provide enough GPU or RAM, start the server, and configure each editor client

33,819 GitHub stars (checked Aug 6, 2026)

tabbyml.com →
ZedOpen source

A fast open editor with completions, chat and agents built in; model usage is separate.

Versus paying: It requires switching editors, while model usage is separate and Copilot works across more existing editors and GitHub surfaces.

Setup: Install the native app from Zed or an operating-system package manager on macOS, Linux or Windows

Watch for: None for the editor itself; AI requires a Zed account, provider key, local model, or external agent

88,100 GitHub stars (checked Aug 6, 2026)

zed.dev →

03What you give up by leaving GitHub Copilot

  • native GitHub/IDE integration
  • fast completions
  • model routing
  • code review/security features
  • managed billing
  • team controls

They pay because low-latency completion and repo-aware coding are available in their editor without setup.

04Questions

Is there a free alternative to GitHub Copilot?

Yes. This page compares 5: Cline, Kilo Code, OpenCode, Tabby and Zed. All of them are open source, so you can run them yourself.

How much does GitHub Copilot cost?

$10/mo on the Pro plan (monthly), which is $120 a year. Prices checked Aug 14, 2026.

What do you give up with a free alternative to GitHub Copilot?

Most often: native GitHub/IDE integration, fast completions, model routing and code review/security features. Each alternative on this page lists its own gap under “Versus paying.”

Can AI build me my own version of GitHub Copilot?

Half-bot. You can use open-source editor agents and local/API models, but Copilot's value is editor integration, model routing, GitHub context, completions, and managed usage.

Prices change; confirm on the vendor's site before you decide.