exa vs Fig (Amazon Q): Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between exa and Fig (Amazon Q) 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: Fig (Amazon Q) is our overall pick for terminal tools workflows. Pick exa if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
exa
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • AI-powered terminal with natural language
- • Search files and run commands with plain English
Fig (Amazon Q)
AI-powered terminal autocomplete
Best for you if:
- • Fig has been sunset as of September 1, 2024.
- • Users are encouraged to migrate to Amazon Q for command line, which is free.
| At a Glance |  exa |  Fig (Amazon Q) |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose exa or Fig (Amazon Q)?
Choose exa if
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
- AI search API
- Good for semantic search
- Active development
- You want a fully free tool (Fig (Amazon Q) requires payment)
Choose Fig (Amazon Q) if
AI-powered terminal autocomplete
- Great autocomplete
- Fast suggestions
- CLI integrations
| Feature | exa | Fig (Amazon Q) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
exa
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
Strengths
- +AI search API
- +Good for semantic search
- +Active development
- +Good features
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
- -Learning curve
- -Feature gaps
- -Per-query pricing
- -Still maturing
Key features
Fig (Amazon Q)
AI-powered terminal autocomplete
Strengths
- +Great autocomplete
- +Fast suggestions
- +CLI integrations
Weaknesses
- -Mac focused
- -AWS acquisition changes
Key features
Pricing: exa vs Fig (Amazon Q)
| Plan | exa | Fig (Amazon Q) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 0 Note |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on exa pricing and Fig (Amazon Q) pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
exa is free. Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium.
Go with: exa
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: exa
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Fig (Amazon Q)
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
exa is free. Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium. Go with exa if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Fig (Amazon Q)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
exa
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Fig (Amazon Q) is our pick. That said, exa is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or Fig (Amazon Q) better?
Fig (Amazon Q) is rated in our evaluation. exa is free and Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium.
What are exa and Fig (Amazon Q) used for?
exa: A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration. Fig (Amazon Q): AI-powered terminal autocomplete.
What does exa cost vs Fig (Amazon Q)?
exa is completely free. Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.