Quick verdict: GitHub Copilot is a coding tool best for developers who want help without changing tools. Its main strength is that fits your existing editor, while the main drawback is that suggestions still need review.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot suggests code as you type, answers questions in chat and summarises pull requests, inside editors like VS Code and JetBrains.
Key features of GitHub Copilot
- Inline code suggestions
- Chat in your editor
- Works across popular editors
- Pull request summaries
Who is GitHub Copilot best for?
GitHub Copilot is best for developers who want help without changing tools. If your needs are different, see the GitHub Copilot alternatives below.
GitHub Copilot pricing
GitHub Copilot has a free plan with usage limits, and paid plans unlock more features and higher limits. Plans and prices change often, so confirm details on the official GitHub Copilot website.
GitHub Copilot vs alternatives
| Tool | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub Copilot | Freemium | developers who want help without changing tools |
| Amazon Q Developer | Freemium | teams building on AWS |
| Bolt.new | Freemium | makers prototyping quickly |
| Claude Code | Paid | developers working in large codebases |
Frequently asked questions about GitHub Copilot
Is GitHub Copilot free?
GitHub Copilot has a free plan with usage limits, and paid plans unlock more features and higher limits. Check the official website for current plans and prices.
What is GitHub Copilot used for?
GitHub Copilot suggests code as you type, answers questions in chat and summarises pull requests, inside editors like VS Code and JetBrains. It is best for developers who want help without changing tools.
What are the best alternatives to GitHub Copilot?
Popular alternatives include Amazon Q Developer, Bolt.new, Claude Code, Cursor. You can compare more in our best AI coding assistants and app builders guide.
What are the pros and cons of GitHub Copilot?
Pros: fits your existing editor; backed by github; good for boilerplate. Cons: suggestions still need review; full features need a paid plan.