Chat-based AI software engineer that builds full-stack web apps and sites from prompts.
GitHub Copilot vs JetBrains AI
Features, pricing, strengths and trade-offs — and which one fits your situation.
The verdict
Summary
GitHub Copilot is best for developers who want AI completion and agents inside the editor and GitHub workflow they already use, while JetBrains AI is best for developers using IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs who want AI built in. Both GitHub Copilot and JetBrains AI offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which should you choose?
Choose GitHub Copilot if…
- You need developers who want AI completion and agents inside the editor and GitHub workflow they already use
- You're one of: developers already on github, enterprise engineering teams, jetbrains, visual studio or xcode users
- Works in the widest range of IDEs
Choose JetBrains AI if…
- You need developers using IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs who want AI built in
- You're one of: java and kotlin developers, python developers using pycharm, enterprise teams standardised on jetbrains
- Uses JetBrains' code analysis and refactoring engine as context
At a glance
| GitHub Copilot | JetBrains AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Developers who want AI completion and agents inside the editor and GitHub workflow they already use | Developers using IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs who want AI built in |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | From $10/mo | From $10/mo |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Ideal for | Developers already on GitHub, Enterprise engineering teams, JetBrains, Visual Studio or Xcode users | Java and Kotlin developers, Python developers using PyCharm, Enterprise teams standardised on JetBrains |
Feature comparison
| GitHub Copilot | JetBrains AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Extension + cloud agent | IDE extension + agent |
| Inline code completion | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-file agent | Yes | Yes |
| Builds full apps from prompts | Limited | Limited |
| Hosting / deploy included | No | No |
| Backend / database | No | No |
| GitHub integration | Yes | Limited |
| Choice of AI models | Yes | Yes |
| Export / own the code | Yes | Yes |
IncludedLimited / higher plansNot available— Not confirmed
Security & enterprise
| GitHub Copilot | JetBrains AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Business / enterprise plan | Yes | Yes |
| SSO (SAML / OIDC) | Via GitHub Enterprise (SAML) | AI Enterprise |
| SCIM user provisioning | Via GitHub Enterprise | AI Enterprise |
| SOC 2 | Type II | Type II |
| ISO 27001 | Yes | — |
| HIPAA (BAA available) | — | — |
| GDPR DPA | Yes | Yes |
| Data residency options | Via GHE.com data residency | — |
| No training on your data | Business & Enterprise | Yes |
| Audit logs | Business & Enterprise | AI Enterprise |
| Admin controls | Yes | AI Enterprise |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, on-prem, air-gapped |
From each vendor's security documentation. "—" = not confirmed. What to ask vendors · Compare all tools
What each tool does
GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is GitHub's AI coding assistant, offering inline completions and next edit suggestions, chat, an agent mode in the IDE and a cloud coding agent that works on issues and opens pull requests. It runs in VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains IDEs, Xcode, Eclipse and Neovim, plus a CLI and GitHub Mobile, and supports models from several providers depending on plan. It is used by individual developers and by companies already on GitHub.
Key features- Inline code completion and next edit suggestions
- Agent mode for multi-file edits in the IDE
- Cloud coding agent that works from issues and opens PRs
- Automated pull request code review
- Choice of models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others
- Copilot CLI and GitHub Mobile access
JetBrains AI
JetBrains AI covers the AI Assistant and the Junie coding agent inside JetBrains IDEs such as IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm and WebStorm. It offers cloud and local code completion using JetBrains' Mellum model, chat and next edit suggestions, and access to third-party agents such as Claude Agent, OpenAI Codex and Gemini CLI. Users can pick models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and xAI, bring their own API keys or run local models.
Key features- AI Assistant chat and next edit suggestions in JetBrains IDEs
- Junie coding agent for multi-step tasks
- Cloud and local code completion with the Mellum model
- Third-party agents via the Agent Client Protocol
- Model choice across OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and xAI
- Bring-your-own-key and local models via Ollama or LM Studio
Pricing
GitHub Copilot
Free plan (limited); Pro $10/mo; Pro+ $39/mo; Business $19/user/mo
JetBrains AI
Free AI tier (3 credits/30 days); AI Pro $10/mo; AI Ultimate $30/mo; Enterprise $60/user/mo
Prices last checked September 2026. Plans change often — confirm on each vendor's site.
Pros and cons
GitHub Copilot
Strengths- Works in the widest range of IDEs
- Deep integration with GitHub issues, PRs and Actions
- Completions do not draw from the AI credit allowance on paid plans
- Has a free plan
- Usage-based AI credits introduced in 2026 can be used up quickly with agents and code review
- Top-tier models are restricted to higher plans
- Individual plan sign-ups and limits changed abruptly in 2026
- Agent mode is less central to the experience than in AI-first editors
Not ideal for: Non-developers who want to generate and host a complete app from a prompt should use an AI app builder instead.
JetBrains AI
Strengths- Uses JetBrains' code analysis and refactoring engine as context
- Local completion and local model options for privacy
- Wide choice of models and agents
- Free tier included with JetBrains IDEs
- Only useful inside JetBrains IDEs
- Free tier credits are very limited
- Credit-based quotas on paid tiers can run out with heavy agent use
- Generally trails AI-first editors in how quickly new agent features ship
Not ideal for: Developers who use VS Code or other editors, or non-developers wanting a hosted app builder, should choose a different tool.
Integrations
GitHub Copilot
JetBrains AI
FAQ
What is the main difference between GitHub Copilot and JetBrains AI?
GitHub Copilot is built for developers who want AI completion and agents inside the editor and GitHub workflow they already use; JetBrains AI is built for developers using IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs who want AI built in.
Is GitHub Copilot or JetBrains AI cheaper?
GitHub Copilot starts from $10/mo and JetBrains AI starts from $10/mo (as of September 2026). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site.
Do GitHub Copilot and JetBrains AI have free plans?
Both GitHub Copilot and JetBrains AI offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which is easier to use, GitHub Copilot or JetBrains AI?
Both have a low learning curve.
What are good alternatives to GitHub Copilot and JetBrains AI?
Other coding & apps tools worth comparing include Lovable, Base44 and v0.
