Refact AI vs Aider: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Refact AI and Aider 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:
Refact AI
Your open-source, autonomous AI agent that codes, thinks, and adapts to your workflow.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Autonomous AI agent for end-to-end coding tasks within your IDE.
- • Provides context-aware chat, accurate autocompletion, and codebase analysis.
Aider
AI pair programming in your terminal with GPT-4
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Aider is an AI pair programming tool that runs in your terminal and edits code directly in your repo
- • It understands your codebase context and can make changes across multiple files in one conversation
| At a Glance |  Refact AI |  Aider |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Refact AI | Aider |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAI Coding | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
How Refact AI and Aider Compare
Refact AI
Your open-source, autonomous AI agent that codes, thinks, and adapts to your workflow.
Free tier available
Aider
AI pair programming in your terminal with GPT-4
Paid · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Refact AI has a free tier. Aider is paid only.
Go with: Refact AI
Want the highest-rated option?
Aider scores 82/100. Refact AI is unrated.
Go with: Aider
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Aider
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Refact AI is freemium. Aider is paid. Refact AI lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Aider
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Refact AI
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Aider (82/100) is our pick. Refact AI has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Refact AI or Aider better?
Aider scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Refact AI is freemium and Aider is paid.
What are Refact AI and Aider used for?
Refact AI: Your open-source, autonomous AI agent that codes, thinks, and adapts to your workflow.. Aider: AI pair programming in your terminal with GPT-4.
What does Refact AI cost vs Aider?
Refact AI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Aider is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.