Codeium vs Mellum by JetBrains: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Codeium and Mellum by JetBrains 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: Codeium is our overall pick for AI coding workflows. Pick Mellum by JetBrains if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Codeium
AI code editor with intelligent completions and chat
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Codeium is a free AI coding assistant that provides autocomplete and chat in your IDE
- • It supports 70+ languages with context-aware suggestions trained on permissively licensed code
Mellum by JetBrains
AI coding assistant for JetBrains IDEs
Best for you if:
- • AI assistant integrated into JetBrains IDEs for coding.
- • Provides intelligent code completion, generation, and explanation.
| At a Glance |  Codeium |  Mellum by JetBrains |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | AI Coding | AI Coding |
Rating | 4.2/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Codeium or Mellum by JetBrains?
Choose Codeium if
AI code editor with intelligent completions and chat
- Free tier generous
- Multi-IDE support
- Fast completions
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose Mellum by JetBrains if
AI coding assistant for JetBrains IDEs
- Deep integration with JetBrains IDEs for a seamless workflow.
- Significantly speeds up coding and reduces boilerplate.
- Helps developers understand unfamiliar codebases quickly.
| Feature | Codeium | Mellum by JetBrains |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 29 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | AI CodingDeveloper Tools | AI CodingDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Codeium
AI code editor with intelligent completions and chat
Strengths
- +Free tier generous
- +Multi-IDE support
- +Fast completions
Weaknesses
- -Less context than paid tools
- -Limited customization
Key features
Value 70/100. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is competitively priced at $20/mo for Pro, matching Cursor exactly.
Watch out: Credit pool depletes faster with manually-selected frontier models vs free Auto mode
Mellum by JetBrains
AI coding assistant for JetBrains IDEs
Strengths
- +Deep integration with JetBrains IDEs for a seamless workflow.
- +Significantly speeds up coding and reduces boilerplate.
- +Helps developers understand unfamiliar codebases quickly.
- +Improves code quality through intelligent suggestions and refactoring.
Weaknesses
- -Requires an existing JetBrains IDE subscription.
- -May have a learning curve for optimal utilization of AI features.
- -Reliance on AI might reduce deep understanding of certain code segments over time.
Key features
Pricing: Codeium vs Mellum by JetBrains
| Plan | Codeium | Mellum by JetBrains |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $15 Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $30 Teams | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Codeium pricing and Mellum by JetBrains pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Codeium has a free tier. Mellum by JetBrains is paid only.
Go with: Codeium
Want the highest-rated option?
Codeium is rated 4.2/5. Mellum by JetBrains has no ratings yet.
Go with: Codeium
Value user reviews?
Codeium: 29 reviews (4.2/5). Mellum by JetBrains: no ratings yet.
Go with: Codeium
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Codeium is freemium. Mellum by JetBrains is paid. Codeium lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ai coding tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Codeium is rated 4.2/5; Mellum by JetBrains has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Codeium
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mellum by JetBrains
- Choose if you want aI coding assistant for JetBrains IDEs
The Bottom Line
Codeium is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Codeium or Mellum by JetBrains better?
Codeium is rated in our evaluation. Codeium is freemium and Mellum by JetBrains is paid.
What are Codeium and Mellum by JetBrains used for?
Codeium: AI code editor with intelligent completions and chat. Mellum by JetBrains: AI coding assistant for JetBrains IDEs.
What does Codeium cost vs Mellum by JetBrains?
Codeium is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mellum by JetBrains is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.