exa vs Fig (Amazon Q): Which Should You Choose 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • 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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.9/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • 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) |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Terminal Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 73/100 | 79/100 |
| Feature | exa | Fig (Amazon Q) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 73 | 79 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsFile Management | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
How exa and Fig (Amazon Q) Compare
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Free · 73/100 score
Fig (Amazon Q)
AI-powered terminal autocomplete
Free tier available · 79/100 score
exa is a terminal tools tool. Fig (Amazon Q) is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
exa is free. Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium.
Go with: exa
Want the highest-rated option?
exa: 73/100. Fig (Amazon Q): 79/100.
Go with: Fig (Amazon Q)
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?
exa is a terminal tools tool. Fig (Amazon Q) is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Fig (Amazon Q) scores higher: 79/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Fig (Amazon Q)
- Higher score: 79/100 vs 73
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
exa
- Completely free
- Better fit for terminal tools
The Bottom Line
Fig (Amazon Q) (79/100) 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) scores 79/100 in our evaluation. exa is free and Fig (Amazon Q) is freemium.
What are exa and Fig (Amazon Q) used for?
exa: Modern replacement for ls. 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.