kitio.aiGitHub Copilot vs Visual Studio Code
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while GitHub Copilot is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Code completions
- Copilot Chat
- Cloud coding agent
- Code review
- Copilot CLI
- AI agents that plan and code
- Model selection
- MCP support
- Extension marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Web version
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | GitHub's AI pair programmer for editors, CLI and pull requests | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $10/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | GitHub (Microsoft) | Microsoft |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while GitHub Copilot is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
6 plans
Free
Free
- Up to 2,000 completions/month
- Limited chat and agent mode
- Copilot CLI
Pro
$10/mo
- Unlimited completions
- Monthly AI credits
- Coding agent and code review
Pro+
$39/mo
- More AI credits
- Access to all models
Max
$100/mo
- For high-volume agent workflows
- Largest AI credit allowance
Business
$19/mo
- Per user
- Policy and license management
- IP indemnity
Enterprise
$39/mo
- Per user
- Enterprise controls
- Higher AI credit allowance
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
GitHub Copilot
- Works in almost every major editor
- Tight GitHub issue and PR integration
- Cheap entry plan
- Credit metering makes costs less predictable
- Best features need GitHub-hosted code
Visual Studio Code
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
- Heavier than lightweight editors
- AI features may need separate model access
- Extensions vary in quality
Which one should you choose?
Choose GitHub Copilot if you want:
- Works in almost every major editor
- Tight GitHub issue and PR integration
- Cheap entry plan
Watch out: credit metering makes costs less predictable.
Choose Visual Studio Code if you want:
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
Watch out: heavier than lightweight editors.
GitHub Copilot vs Visual Studio Code FAQ
What is the difference between GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code?
GitHub Copilot: GitHub's AI pair programmer for editors, CLI and pull requests. Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Both are coding tools.
Is GitHub Copilot or Visual Studio Code cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while GitHub Copilot is freemium.
Do GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code have free plans?
GitHub Copilot: Yes. Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free.
Who makes GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is made by GitHub (Microsoft), based in United States.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, GitHub Copilot or Visual Studio Code?
Choose GitHub Copilot if you value works in almost every major editor and tight github issue and pr integration. Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem.