GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is Microsoft's AI coding assistant that generates code suggestions as you type. It integrates natively with popular IDEs and provides real-time completions, chat functionality, and code review capabilities. Solo developers benefit from its mature ecosystem, extensive IDE support, and access to multiple AI models including GPT-5 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet.

Strengths

Extensive IDE integration — Works natively in VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains IDEs, and Neovim
Multiple AI models available — Access to GPT-5, GPT-5 mini, GPT-4.1, Claude 3.5 Sonnet with auto model selection
Mature feature set — Code completions, chat, agent mode, code review, and inline editing
Free tier available — 2000 completions and 50 chat requests monthly for VS Code users
Enterprise-grade reliability — Backed by Microsoft with established SLA and support infrastructure
Context-aware suggestions — Understands repository structure and coding patterns for relevant completions

Weaknesses

Premium request limits — Advanced features consume monthly allowances that reset monthly
Microsoft ecosystem bias — Optimized primarily for Microsoft development tools and workflows
Subscription costs — Paid plans start at $10/month for individuals, $19/month per user for teams
Limited customization — Less flexibility in model selection and prompt engineering compared to open alternatives

Best for

Solo developers working primarily in VS Code or Visual Studio who want reliable AI assistance with minimal setup.

Pricing plans

Copilot Free — $0/month — 2000 completions, 50 chat requests, GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet access (VS Code only)
Copilot Pro — $10/month — Unlimited completions and chat, premium model access, monthly premium request allowance
Copilot Pro+ — $39/month — Higher premium request limits, priority access to new features
Copilot Business — $19/user/month — Team management, usage analytics, enterprise controls
Copilot Enterprise — $39/user/month — Maximum premium requests, advanced security, custom fine-tuning

Tech details

Type: Cloud-based AI coding assistant
IDEs: VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm), Neovim, Vim
Key features: Real-time code completions, chat interface, agent mode, code review, inline editing, smart actions
Privacy/hosting: Cloud-hosted, Microsoft processes code snippets, configurable data retention policies
Models/context window: GPT-5, GPT-5 mini, GPT-4.1, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, context varies by model (~128K tokens)

When to choose this over Windsurf

Established IDE workflows — Already using VS Code, Visual Studio, or JetBrains IDEs extensively
Team collaboration needs — Require enterprise features, usage analytics, and administrative controls
Stability preference — Want proven reliability and Microsoft backing rather than newer experimental features

When Windsurf may be a better fit

Cost sensitivity — Need more generous free tiers or lower subscription costs for advanced features
Customization requirements — Want more control over AI model selection, prompting, or local processing options
Experimental features — Prefer cutting-edge capabilities over established, stable functionality

Conclusion

GitHub Copilot remains one of the most widely adopted Windsurf alternatives, offering comprehensive IDE integration and access to multiple leading AI models. Its strength lies in mature enterprise features and Microsoft ecosystem integration. The recent introduction of a free tier makes it accessible to solo developers, though premium features require paid subscriptions. Choose Copilot if you prioritize reliability, broad IDE support, and don't mind Microsoft's development approach.