Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Codeium 2026: Best Free & Paid AI Coding
TL;DR: Cursor for the most advanced AI coding (worth $20/mo). Copilot for staying in VS Code. Codeium for a free alternative that works in any editor. Students: get Copilot free via GitHub Education.
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Codeium: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | GitHub Copilot | Codeium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $20/mo | $10-19/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | Limited | Students only | Unlimited |
| Autocomplete | Best | Excellent | Very Good |
| Codebase Aware | Full project | Limited | Good |
| Multi-file Edit | Excellent | Limited | No |
| Editor | Standalone | VS Code extension | Any editor |
| Chat | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Speed | Fast | Fast | Very Fast |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Cursor: If you prioritize price at $20/mo and need codebase aware rated Full project
- Choose GitHub Copilot: If you prioritize price at $10-19/mo and need codebase aware rated Limited
- Choose Codeium: If you prioritize price at Free and need codebase aware rated Good
Our Verdict
Cursor for the most advanced AI coding (worth $20/mo). Copilot for staying in VS Code. Codeium for a free alternative that works in any editor. Students: get Copilot free via GitHub Education.
FAQ
Can I use all three?
You could, but most users pick one primary tool and one complementary tool. Using all three would be redundant and expensive. Start with the one that best fits your primary use case.
Which has the best free option?
Among these three, Codeium typically offers the most generous free tier. However, all three have options to try before committing to a paid plan.
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