Amazon CodeWhisperer vs GitHub Copilot: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon CodeWhisperer and GitHub Copilot comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: GitHub Copilot is our overall pick for AI coding workflows. Pick Amazon CodeWhisperer if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Amazon CodeWhisperer
AI coding companion from AWS for faster development
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Amazon's AI coding assistant
- • Security scans find vulnerabilities
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Best for you if:
- • AI pair programmer by GitHub
- • Code suggestions in your editor
| At a Glance |  Amazon CodeWhisperer |  GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $10/moPro |
Best For | AI Coding | AI Coding |
Rating | 4.2/5 | - |
Choose Amazon CodeWhisperer or GitHub Copilot?
Choose Amazon CodeWhisperer if
AI coding companion from AWS for faster development
- AWS integration
- Free tier available
- Security scanning
Choose GitHub Copilot if
AI pair programmer that suggests code
- Works in any IDE
- Great for boilerplate
- Learns your style
- Budget matters ($10/mo vs Free)
| Feature | Amazon CodeWhisperer | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 35 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | AI CodingDeveloper Tools | AI CodingDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Amazon CodeWhisperer
AI coding companion from AWS for faster development
Strengths
- +AWS integration
- +Free tier available
- +Security scanning
- +Multiple languages
- +IDE support
Weaknesses
- -Less capable than Copilot
- -AWS focused
- -Suggestions basic
- -Privacy concerns
- -Falling behind
Key features
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Strengths
- +Works in any IDE
- +Great for boilerplate
- +Learns your style
- +Free for students
Weaknesses
- -Monthly fee
- -Sometimes suggests wrong code
- -No codebase awareness (vs Cursor)
Key features
Pricing: Amazon CodeWhisperer vs GitHub Copilot
| Plan | Amazon CodeWhisperer | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Individual | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $19 user/month Professional | $10 Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $39 Pro+ |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $19 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon CodeWhisperer pricing and GitHub Copilot pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Amazon CodeWhisperer has a free tier. GitHub Copilot is paid only.
Go with: Amazon CodeWhisperer
Want the highest-rated option?
Amazon CodeWhisperer is rated 4.2/5. GitHub Copilot has no ratings yet.
Go with: Amazon CodeWhisperer
Value user reviews?
Amazon CodeWhisperer: 35 reviews (4.2/5). GitHub Copilot: no ratings yet.
Go with: Amazon CodeWhisperer
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon CodeWhisperer is freemium. GitHub Copilot is paid. Amazon CodeWhisperer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ai coding tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Amazon CodeWhisperer is rated 4.2/5; GitHub Copilot has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Copilot
- Our pick for this comparison
Amazon CodeWhisperer
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
GitHub Copilot is our pick. Amazon CodeWhisperer has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon CodeWhisperer or GitHub Copilot better?
GitHub Copilot is rated in our evaluation. Amazon CodeWhisperer is freemium and GitHub Copilot is paid.
What are Amazon CodeWhisperer and GitHub Copilot used for?
Amazon CodeWhisperer: AI coding companion from AWS for faster development. GitHub Copilot: AI pair programmer that suggests code.
What does Amazon CodeWhisperer cost vs GitHub Copilot?
Amazon CodeWhisperer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). GitHub Copilot is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.