Finding the possibilities
Side-by-side comparison
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Plans, free tiers and API access for Cursor and GitHub Copilot, from each vendor's own pages. Last checked Oct 4, 2026.
The short answer
- GitHub Copilot has the lower entry price at $10/mo, against $20/mo for Cursor.
- Both Cursor and GitHub Copilot have an ongoing free plan.
- Cursor lists API access; we could not confirm it for GitHub Copilot.
Pricing and features
CursorGitHub Copilot
Starting price
$20/mo
$10/mo
Paid plans
- Pro$20/mo
- Teams Standard$40/mo
- Pro$10/mo
- Pro+$39/mo
Free plan
Free planHobby tier is free with limited Agent requests and Composer access; no credit card required
Free planFree plan with limited chat, agent, and CLI usage per plans page
API access
API availableAI code tracking API on Enterprise; MCP and CLI documented for integrations
API unknownNot confirmed
Best for
Individual developers and software teams wanting an agent-native editor with frontier models and shared team rules.
Developers who want Copilot embedded in GitHub workflows from local IDE assistance through cloud agents.
Watch out for
Included model usage is capped per plan with on-demand overage billing; Teams pricing is per user with privacy and SSO controls.
Higher tiers consume GitHub AI Credits quickly in agent mode; business plans are sold separately from individual Pro pricing.
Category
Code
Code
Last checked
Oct 4, 2026
Oct 4, 2026
How to choose
Cursor is an agent-native editor, while GitHub Copilot is Copilot embedded in GitHub workflows from local IDE help through cloud agents. The price gap is clear: GitHub Copilot Pro is $10 per month and Pro+ is $39, versus Cursor Pro at $20 and Teams Standard at $40 per user. Both have free options. Copilot's Free plan has limited chat, agent and CLI usage, and Cursor's Hobby tier has limited Agent requests and Composer access without a credit card. Copilot warns that higher tiers consume GitHub AI Credits quickly in agent mode, and business plans are sold separately. Cursor caps included model usage and bills overage on demand. Copilot's API is Not confirmed, while Cursor lists an AI code tracking API on Enterprise, with MCP and CLI documented.
- GitHub Copilot: You want the lower paid entry at $10 per month and Copilot integrated with GitHub workflows.
- Cursor: You want an agent-native editor with shared team rules, and accept $20 per month for Pro.
- Either: You want to try a free tier before paying, as both offer limited free usage.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Cursor or GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot has the lower starting price ($10/mo versus $20/mo). Compare plans before choosing, since limits differ.
Is Cursor free?
Free plan. Hobby tier is free with limited Agent requests and Composer access; no credit card required
Is GitHub Copilot free?
Free plan. Free plan with limited chat, agent, and CLI usage per plans page