GitHub Copilot
Verified ToolThe AI pair programmer that 20 million developers actually use - turns code suggestions into autonomous refactoring powerhouse
Transparency Note: We may earn a commission when you click links on this page. This supports our research and allows us to keep content free.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot started as smart autocomplete but has evolved into something much bigger - an autonomous coding agent that can refactor entire codebases, improve test coverage, and fix bugs without hand-holding. With 20 million users (as of 2024), it's the most widely adopted AI coding tool for a reason: deep GitHub integration, multi-language support, and the fact that 80% of new developers start using it in their first week.
What sets Copilot apart isn't just code completion - it's the autonomous agent capabilities rolled out in 2025. While other tools suggest snippets, Copilot can take on larger refactoring tasks and systematically improve your codebase. The CLI got a major upgrade in late 2025, making it faster and more user-friendly. For teams already in the Microsoft ecosystem, the integration is seamless.
What's New
GitHub Copilot CLI Performance Upgrade
CLI updated to be faster, more concise, and prettier
The command-line interface received significant improvements focused on speed and user experience, making it more responsive and visually appealing for developers who prefer terminal-based workflows.
open_in_newRead official announcementhistoryView all 2 recent updatesKey Features
Autonomous Code Agent
Goes beyond suggestions to autonomously refactor code, improve test coverage, and fix defects - capabilities that evolved significantly in 2025
Native GitHub Integration
Works seamlessly with your existing GitHub workflow - no awkward integrations or context switching required
Multi-Language Excellence
Consistent quality across multiple programming languages, not just JavaScript or Python like some competitors
Enhanced CLI Experience
Upgraded CLI (Oct 2025) delivers faster, more concise responses with improved user interface
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Individual | Business (Best Value) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $10/mo | $19/mo |
| Features |
|
|
| Start Trial | Start Trial |
Pros & Cons
thumb_upThe Good
- checkAutonomous agent capabilities - handles full refactoring and test coverage improvements, not just suggestions
- checkMassive adoption proves reliability - 20 million users and 80% of new devs use it in week one
- checkDeep GitHub integration - works natively with your existing workflow and repositories
- checkMulti-language support across popular programming languages with consistent quality
- checkRecently upgraded CLI (Oct 2025) is faster and more intuitive than previous versions
thumb_downThe Bad
- closeNo free tier for most users - only available to students, teachers, and popular open-source maintainers
- closeEnterprise pricing not publicly disclosed, making budget planning difficult for larger teams
- closeHeavily tied to Microsoft ecosystem - less flexible if you're using competing tools
User Reviews
G2 VerifiedRating based on 800 verified reviews on G2.
What Users Say
Real quotes with sourcesformat_quote“I even needed to maintain some 1980's Macro-11 (PDP-11 assembly language) and amazingly Copilot understood what I was doing and offered multiple useful Macro-11 completions!”
format_quote“Autocomplete is a disaster really. 90% of the time it's a miss.”
Top Alternatives to GitHub Copilot
Recent Updates
verifiedVerified Jan 2026new_releasesOct 2025LatestGitHub Copilot CLI Performance Upgrade
CLI updated to be faster, more concise, and prettier
expand_more
GitHub Copilot CLI Performance Upgrade
CLI updated to be faster, more concise, and prettier
The command-line interface received significant improvements focused on speed and user experience, making it more responsive and visually appealing for developers who prefer terminal-based workflows.
open_in_newView official announcementnew_releases2025Evolution to Autonomous Agent
Copilot evolved into an autonomous agent capable of refactoring code, improving test coverage, and fixing defects
expand_more
Evolution to Autonomous Agent
Copilot evolved into an autonomous agent capable of refactoring code, improving test coverage, and fixing defects
Major capability expansion beyond code suggestions to autonomous code improvement tasks. This represents a significant shift from reactive assistance to proactive code enhancement.
open_in_newView official announcementCommon Questions
What is GitHub Copilot?expand_more
GitHub Copilot started as smart autocomplete but has evolved into something much bigger - an autonomous coding agent that can refactor entire codebases, improve test coverage, and fix bugs without hand-holding. With 20 million users (as of 2024), it's the most widely adopted AI coding tool for a reason: deep GitHub integration, multi-language support, and the fact that 80% of new developers start using it in their first week. What sets Copilot apart isn't just code completion - it's the autonomous agent capabilities rolled out in 2025. While other tools suggest snippets, Copilot can take on larger refactoring tasks and systematically improve your codebase. The CLI got a major upgrade in late 2025, making it faster and more user-friendly. For teams already in the Microsoft ecosystem, the integration is seamless.
How much does GitHub Copilot cost?expand_more
GitHub Copilot offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $10/month.