Best AI Tool for VS Code in 2026
A practical comparison of the best AI tools for VS Code: extensions like GitHub Copilot and Continue, plus when to consider an AI-first IDE like Cursor.
Editorial Team
The AI Coding Tools Directory editorial team researches and reviews AI-powered development tools to help developers find the best solutions for their workflows.
If you use VS Code, you can add AI via extensions or switch to an AI-first fork. This guide compares the best options for 2026.
Quick Answer
| Approach | Top picks |
|---|---|
| Stay in VS Code | GitHub Copilot (free tier), Continue (open-source, BYOK) |
| Switch to AI IDE | Cursor, Windsurf for Composer-style workflows, agent mode, model choice |
See our Cursor vs VS Code comparison for the tradeoffs.
VS Code Extensions (Stay in VS Code)
GitHub Copilot
- What it does: Inline completions, chat, PR assistance.
- Pricing: Free (2,000 completions + 50 premium/month); Pro $10; Pro+ $39.
- Pros: Easiest setup, broad IDE support, free tier.
- Cons: No multi-file Composer-style editing; limited model choice.
- GitHub Copilot — Setup guide
Continue
- What it does: Chat, completions, slash commands. Use your own models (OpenAI, Anthropic, local).
- Pricing: Free (open-source); you pay for API usage or use Ollama for $0.
- Pros: Full control, privacy, local models.
- Cons: Manual configuration; quality depends on chosen model.
- Continue
Tabnine
- What it does: Inline completions; privacy-first with local/on-prem options.
- Pricing: Free basic; Pro and Enterprise for teams.
- Pros: Privacy, enterprise deployment.
- Cons: Less chat/agent workflow than Copilot or Cursor.
- Tabnine
Amazon Q (CodeWhisperer)
- What it does: Inline completions, security scanning, Q&A.
- Pricing: Free individual; Pro for organizations.
- Pros: AWS integration, security focus.
- Cons: Less multi-model flexibility than Copilot or Continue.
- Amazon Q
Gemini Code Assist
- What it does: Agent mode, 1M context, MCP support.
- Pricing: Free individual tier (6,000 requests/day); Enterprise $19/user.
- Pros: Deep Google integration, large context.
- Cons: Gemini-centric; less ecosystem breadth than Copilot.
- Gemini Code Assist
AI-First IDEs (VS Code Forks)
Cursor
- What it does: Full AI IDE with Composer (multi-file), Agent mode, 25+ models.
- Pricing: Hobby free (limited); Pro $20; Pro+ $60; Ultra $200; Teams $40/user.
- Pros: Deepest AI integration, model choice, background agents.
- Cons: Separate app; no Copilot extension.
- Cursor | How to use Cursor
Windsurf
- What it does: AI IDE with Cascade agents, Fast Context, unlimited inline on free tier.
- Pricing: Free (25 credits + unlimited inline); Pro $15/user.
- Pros: Generous free inline completions; Cascade agents.
- Cons: Separate app; different from stock VS Code.
- Windsurf
Comparison at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Free tier | Multi-file edits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GitHub Copilot | Extension | Yes | Chat-assisted, not structured |
| Continue | Extension | Yes (BYOK/local) | Via chat |
| Tabnine | Extension | Basic | Limited |
| Cursor | IDE (fork) | Hobby (limited) | Yes (Composer) |
| Windsurf | IDE (fork) | Yes (unlimited inline) | Yes (Cascade) |
How to Choose
- Minimal setup? → GitHub Copilot
- Control over models and privacy? → Continue + Ollama
- Composer-style multi-file editing and agents? → Cursor or Windsurf
- Tight budget? → Copilot Free, Continue + Ollama, or Windsurf Free
- Enterprise / compliance? → Tabnine or Amazon Q
Final Takeaways
- Stay in VS Code: GitHub Copilot and Continue are the top extensions.
- Deeper AI workflows: Cursor and Windsurf offer Composer-like multi-file editing and agent modes.
- Free options: Free AI coding tools roundup.
Related guides: Cursor vs Copilot | cursor-vs-vscode">Cursor vs VS Code | GitHub Copilot alternatives | Directory
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Tools Mentioned in This Article
Continue
Open-source, model-agnostic AI coding assistant for VS Code and JetBrains
Open SourceCursor
The AI-native code editor with $1B+ ARR, 25+ models, and background agents on dedicated VMs
FreemiumGemini Code Assist
Google's AI coding assistant with Agent Mode, 1M token context, MCP support, and free individual tier
FreemiumGitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer built into GitHub and popular IDEs
FreemiumOllama
Run AI models locally with Docker-like simplicity, 200+ model families, and full API compatibility
Open SourceTabnine
Private AI coding assistant with free, pro, enterprise, and agentic tiers
FreemiumAnd 1 more tools mentioned...
Workflow Resources
Cookbook
AI-Powered Code Review & Quality
Automate code review and enforce quality standards using AI-powered tools and agentic workflows.
Cookbook
Building AI-Powered Applications
Build applications powered by LLMs, RAG, and AI agents using Claude Code, Cursor, and modern AI frameworks.
Cookbook
Building APIs & Backends with AI Agents
Design and build robust APIs and backend services with AI coding agents, from REST to GraphQL.
Cookbook
Debugging with AI Agents
Systematically debug complex issues using AI coding agents with structured workflows and MCP integrations.
Skill
Change risk triage
A systematic method for categorizing AI-generated code changes by blast radius and required verification depth, preventing high-risk changes from shipping without adequate review.
Skill
Configuring MCP servers
A cross-tool guide to setting up Model Context Protocol servers in Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, and VS Code, including server types, authentication, and common patterns.
Skill
Local model quality loop
Improve code output quality when using local AI models by combining rules files, iterative retries with error feedback, and test-backed validation gates.
Skill
Plan-implement-verify loop
A structured execution pattern for safe AI-assisted coding changes that prevents scope creep and ensures every edit is backed by test evidence.
MCP Server
AWS MCP Server
Open source MCP servers from AWS Labs that give AI coding agents access to AWS documentation, best practices, and contextual guidance for building on AWS.
MCP Server
Docker MCP Server
Docker MCP Gateway orchestrates MCP servers in isolated containers, providing secure discovery and execution of Model Context Protocol servers across AI coding tools.
MCP Server
Figma MCP Server
Official Figma MCP server that brings design context, variables, components, and Code Connect data into AI coding sessions for design-to-code workflows.
MCP Server
Firebase MCP Server
Experimental Firebase MCP server that gives AI coding agents access to Firestore, Auth, security rules, Cloud Messaging, and project management through the Firebase CLI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AI tool for VS Code?
Is GitHub Copilot free for VS Code?
Can I use Cursor and VS Code together?
What's the best free AI for VS Code?
How do I install AI in VS Code?
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