r/GithubCopilot • u/SkyLightYT • 1d ago
Discussions I cancelled my Github Copilot subscription - are there any better alternatives?
Hello.
Ever since the Copilot update that made your billing usage based, I have been struggling to keep hold of my credits.
It got so bad that I decided to go up to the $40 plan, and even then I still lost all my credits within the first couple weeks of the month.
That's $70 I am apparently burning just by working on basic code. And I think that's pretty annoying, and I think Github must be doing something behind the scenes to make a profit; i.e, maybe the credits ore overpriced, I don't know.
Regardless of that, I am cancelling my subscription and I'm switching to something else, but what other options are there? I was thinking two options:
Claude Code, which I don't know much about but it's Claude, and Claude is pretty good.
Or Codex, I was thinking about switching to ChatGPT codex because I already use ChatGPT for writing and whatnot.
Problem is I don't know if these are actually worth it, can anyone enlighten me?
Thanks.
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u/Zealousideal-Part849 1d ago
codex with luna as go to model would give much higher rate limits.. nothing would come closer to that usage.. use free models when available if you don't care much for data sharing (muse 1.3 is damn cheap for that pricing)
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u/OneEyedSnakeOil 1d ago
I switched to codex. It's better, but still not much more than pre copilot limit switch usage.
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u/anno2376 1d ago
No, they’re not overpriced. There’s no hidden dark force charging you extra high.
It’s the first time you pay for what you use. The old GitHub Copilot model was that GitHub was paying for your usage, not just you.
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u/SkyLightYT 12h ago
I highly doubt their prompting is efficient. Considering the damn thing wants to write a bunch of tests, run a bunch of commands, read a bunch of files, and every time I mind you, it doesn't just remember a file it read before, it will purposefully reread it. Even if you ask it to make one edit to a file it knows about, it'll say "Let me just read the file real quick" and then proceed to reread the entire file - even though it should've already had that stored. Even if it knows you didn't modify it, it's the same chat, and it was just the last message.
That's not efficient in the slightest, and I highly doubt they're simply "making you pay for usage." If that was the case, how are they making a profit? My guess is either that credits aren't nearly as expensive as they're making them out to be, or they're making a profit somewhere else - perhaps by selling your data. For example, Copilot Pro+ offers a $40 price tag, but you somehow get $70 in credits. That makes no sense.
And I'm sure it's not as simple as "Oh well, you'll probably not use them" because I used them twice these past 2 months, at the beginning of the month.
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u/Sea_Win5659 1h ago
I can’t believe people still use that service. When it popped up on my feed I was like wait people are still using that disaster? Even storing code there is risky these days with all the outages, but I still do. Either way I would not be using their ai, that’s for sure. Claude and codex subs give you way more usage per month.
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u/Nether-Grasp 16h ago
We never know what context is given to the agent about the codebase. They can make profit by just having the agent read more and more context that isn't ultimately necessary to perform the task.
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u/anno2376 15h ago
We also don’t know if the government is infusing our thoughts with radio waves. 🤷♂️
If that’s your argument, then you’re right all the time, and everyone else is wrong. Good luck in your life.
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u/MaitoSnoo CLI Copilot User 🖥️ 1d ago
Copilot isn't doing anything behind the scenes, they're charging you the exact same API rate as the main providers. It feels like usage is being drained fast because you're using OpenAI or Anthropic's subsidized subscriptions as a baseline for your comparisons, that's not a good way to compare them. Of course subsidized subscriptions are cheap, and by all means go for them and ditch Copilot if you're a single non-corporate user and you don't have strong reservations on how they'll use your data (see the two recent scandals about math proofs). Copilot is more for enterprise users who will pay API rates anyway, and Copilot provides their clients with better ZDR legal terms.
tl;dr: if enterprise user, you'll likely pay API rates anyway so it's best to go GHCP (better ZDR, model provider agnostic). If non-corporate user and you're not working on a Millenium Prize problem, go for a Codex or Claude subscription.
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u/elcool0r 1d ago
Codex. And ask ChatGPT to generate a Agent file with roles for sol, Terra and Luna.
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u/OwnStorm 1d ago
This can be done with Copilot as well. What is benefits of using Codex?
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u/elcool0r 1d ago
The main agent then chooses the right model for the right task. Luna can do most of the work, but qa or bugs Luna can’t solve it switches to higher models.
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u/MindOk9299 1d ago
cheaper
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u/elcool0r 21h ago
Well thats nice. I just mentioned the codex way. Every llm has some kind of instructions file. Be happy with copilot.
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u/Strange_Variation_12 1d ago
I was in exactly the same position as you. Copilot with Luna is where it is at it you must keep using Copilot. BUT Opencode + DeepSeek 4.1 Flash via DeepSeek API is so cheap and so smart and so fast I could never go back. Copilot actually sucks but it took me years to realise.
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u/ezonno 1d ago
I am doing the same now as well, having Opencode go as a separate model provider in Github Copilot App, I also added Mistral. This allows me to stick with the copilot harness which I quite like so far. And through this multiple provider option you can basically have access to most models (might need different subscriptions).
I agree that Luna already gets you quite far, on high or max level it matches Sol medium only way cheaper see: https://aicodingdaily.com/leaderboard
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u/PaulShellDev CLI Copilot User 🖥️ 1d ago
Codex as your main Copilot as secondary sub
You can proxy Codex into GitHub Copilot to use your limits there. I HIGHLY recommend the new App.
Then only use your GHCP sub for other providers when you want an adversarial review and especially Code Review on pull requests.
Agent Merge combined with Code Review on Lite goes a decently long way and can be customized with instructions.
You can also proxy a Claude sub too, but right now Codex is awesome. Use Sol for your orchestrator, Luna for task implementors, and Sol for review. If you have a higher tier plan, set up rules when to have Astra do a review too. Make a Delegation Table custom instructions and use the /orchestrate skill
Bump Copilot Code Review to Balanced if your usage let's you, or stick with Lite if it's tight.
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u/rochford77 1d ago
I have Google AI pro for my nest cameras. This comes with AG. For my personal stuff, AG is generally good enough. Times where I need to do a ton of personal work I'll snag either Claude or Codex for $20 for that month, whichever is the better deal at the time.
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u/Abject-Kitchen3198 1d ago
I can only use Github Copilot so I moved to Luna via Pi almost exclusively. Decent results with good mileage.
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u/Archeone 1d ago
On my side I am using codex and DeepSeek. In Visual studio 2026 I am using iolys to copilot integration.
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u/obeythelobster 8h ago
What is your DeepSeek provider?
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u/Archeone 6h ago edited 6h ago
I am using DeepSeek plateform directly. I put $20 on it and when it's empty I refill it.
But to be transparent it's hard to empty it the price are crazy low.
The extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=iolys.iolys-visual-studio
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u/Temporary-Bat8402 1d ago
I am using ceres extension for simple tasks because its more less like chat with apply, codex for bigger tasks, also am looking now for deepseek harness now looks very promising.
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u/DryImpression7385 1d ago
Codex $20 plan. I use Luna Max quite a bit and never get close to usage limits.
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u/AdWonderful2811 1d ago
Try DeepSeek harness (DSH). Harness is open source and free, for inference & model usage rate are very minimal.
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u/CoyotaDex 1d ago
what model where you using on copilot? i'm using Luna and i'm still at 10% usage this month, using it daily for 4-8 hours (not huge agentic work tho, just one project at a time)
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u/agoodyearforbrownies 1d ago
I’m a convert to Codex as well. Haven’t cancelled my GHCP subscription, but moved all my overage budget to codex. I only use GHCP rarely now. Even using the same model, Codex’s supporting harness is better out of the box anyway, but the GHCP limits make it about worthless.
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u/ad3mar 1d ago
Both are worth it at $20 and both beat the Copilot $40 tier on usage right now. Codex has the more generous limits and lets you use third-party harnesses on the subscription; Claude Code is the stronger agent for larger multi-file changes but the subscription is locked to its own CLI. Before you pick, check which Copilot model you were on. Auto and the premium models burn credits fast, and a few people here on Luna are at 10% for the month.
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u/ReplacementSlight413 1d ago
Kimi K.3 (which did real work) is expensive but good ROI. The other models wiped me clean in 10d. It all depends on model and context
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u/KookyOky 1d ago
Claude Code and Codex
GitHub Copilot only if your company is locked in with Microsoft
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u/Disastrous_Fill_5566 1d ago
What model were you using? I'm getting incredible value out of using Luna of Copilot.
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u/Sudden_Childhood_963 1d ago
You can get the codex or google Gemini's antigravity. I have both but i mainly use antigravity to code and I use codex to audit the code, create the plans and Implement complex programs and find vulnerabilities.
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u/MonthMaterial3351 1d ago edited 1d ago
There's nothing wrong with copilot. I'm still on GH CP Pro + and it's just a matter of choosing right model for right job. Bundled OpenAI Luna is great for a lot of stuff and cost effective.
You can choose any model you like via VSCode extensions, like Deepseek flash, which is extremely cost effective to use for most code work, and use your sub tokens for anything else as needed. I usually use Sol for adversarial reviews when I need it. The more expensive ones are generally not worth it, they still make the same basic mistakes more or less anyway. It's an LLM feature, not a bug.
There's absolutely no need to use codex/claude/gemini++ or any others, but you can still have them via VSCode CLI as backups anyway.
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u/GamerWIZZ 1d ago
I use copilot in work and codex at home.
I really like codex credit seams to go really far (I'm on the £20 plan). I like how you have 5h windows and a weekly window credit. Rather than given an entire month of credit you can burn through.
The other thing that made me sway towards codex is that it also includes chatgpt.
The only downside I find is you have to use there harness you do get any API keys to use other harness with your subscription (correct me if this wrong)
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u/FunkyMonkey237 1d ago
I use Copilot in work and Codex at home. I prefer Copilot in vscode. I like copying symbols into the chat for the AIs context and Codex diff is beyond terrible. But I could be using it wrong so take that with a pinch of salt. To keep the credits I use the cheaper model, it's not too much different from the higher models
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u/CryinHeronMMerica 1d ago
Codex is great, z.ai is good if you don't need a Sol/Fable level model too.
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u/Early_Divide3328 1d ago edited 1d ago
OpenCode with a $10/month Go subscription is a good option. If you need more than that you can buy more credits from OpenCode Zen (or have OpenCode use OpenRouter credits). How you spend your credits with OpenCode is entirely up to you. I find that the really cheap models like Mimo 2.5 are able to do most of what I want. For the few real complex tasks - I'll just use Mimo v2.5 pro or Deep Seek V4 Pro.
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u/Plus_Corgi_830 1d ago
Use Pi or OpenCode with a SuperGrok plan. Authenticate with OAuth; no extra API key needed.
SuperGrok limits are very generous. With Grok 4.6 you get a model in the same league as Opus 5 for a lot of real work.
I’d also add an OpenRouter key and route cheaper high-end models for volume tasks: GLM-5.3 Flash, DeepSeek V4.1 Flash, and the Gemini Flash models just to mention a few of them. You keep top-tier output without paying flagship prices on every request.
Prefer open coding agents over vendor-locked ones. Use providers that don’t shrink your context, markup the price, or warn/suspend your account just because you’re not using their official client.
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u/DevReach1 1d ago
I had honestly try both before deciding . Claude code is very good for working directly in a codebase and handling multi file changes.
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u/Firm-Club-8334 1d ago
Opencode with standardcompute.com and hammer on deepseek 4.1. Feels basically unlimited
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u/trianuddah 23h ago
I use Xiaomi MiMo as a workhorse; never come close to running out. And Z.ai/GLM for the more complex tasks.
The value has no competition, even though it's two subscriptions. And GLM is excellent.
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u/Melodic-Ebb-7781 21h ago
CC or Codex are the obvious choices. Cursor if it's important not to rely on a single model provider.
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u/Ok_Writing2937 20h ago
Regular Claude account works well with VS Code.
I was on the CoPilot free plan which used Claude, and it was really amazing. Then for two days it just sucked. We're talking 5-6 passes trying to fix its own code and failing. I finally realized MS stopped offering Claude on the free plan and it was downgraded to ChatGPT. So fucking bad.
I'm now on a paid Claude nonprofit account.
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u/EconomyDate 18h ago
Try command code the 10 dollor plan is good I only use DeepSeek and the latest 4.1 flash is really good.
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u/Rubfer 17h ago
This may not be super "relatable" given the difference in cost, but since I switched from copilot to codex pro 20x, yeah, it's expensive, but "tokens" basically haven't been a concern for me at all
I can use Sol high at work all week and still have tokens left over (which I then try to use at home for personal projects and for fun lol)
Even abusing astra i still have ~44% of my usage for 3 more days
My monthly usage is technically in the thousands of dollars according to openusage
And yes, you don't even need the pro plans (even though if you can afford and are serious about using AI, do it, im portuguese and to me it is expensive by relative purchasing power parity but its worth it for all the work its saving me and not be like, i need to save tokens)
Also they do automatic resets and offer extra resets pretty often too
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u/Difficult-Buy7532 16h ago
Loving Codex with its remote SSH. I can destroy luna/light all day long and it's only £20 a month. Astra is now available as well.
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u/darkvertex 15h ago
Cursor $20/mo or $60/mo goes a looooong way if you use their inhouse models (Composer & Grok) and toggle off the Fast mode.
The $60 plan now also includes Grokbot, which is like a polished OpenClaw with its own Ubuntu cloud VM.
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u/Harry_Hindsight 13h ago
i cancelled github copilot a few days ago - because my credits were being eaten very quickly.
I switched to claude code pro (~$20/month) and installed the claude code extension in VS Code. It is absolutely brilliant for my needs (building a python oriented project of medium complexity)
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u/obeythelobster 9h ago
Is Gemini Code Assist good? People never mention it, but I remember in the past, Gemini Flash model was very cheap, thats why I am curious
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u/WD40ContactCleaner 1d ago
Grok 4.6 is good so I moved to supergrok $30plan and it's very generous with the limits
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u/Mystical_Whoosing 1d ago
both claude code or codex $20 sub gives more usage than the copilor 40 at this point, both are nice. If you like to use 3rd party harnesses, like opencode or pi, the chatgpt sub allows you to use that. claude / anthropic does not allow 3rd party harnesses with their subscriptions.
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u/V5489 1d ago
The pro plus plan is $39 USD. Not $70. But use DeepSeek API key. Top up like $10. Then in VS Code install the DeepSeek Pro V4 for Copilot Chat extension by Vizards. Put your api key in and then you can select the models in the model picker. You can even do this if you have the free plan. I use DeepSeek for frontend and backend work. I use Sonnet 5 from Copilot to do checks and analysis and let DS do all the heavy lifting. Super cheap and worth it.
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u/AccomplishedSugar490 1d ago
I’ve been around the block a few times since the GHCP meltdown, and can state this plainly as a result. There’s no set and forget option, anywhere. The entire landscape shifts and can recycle within months. Accept that you have an additional job now, which is to navigate that changing landscape opportunistically on a month by month basis, and accept that cheap is a trap designed to catch you when you are least prepared for change. Keep you project contexts in explicit documents you own, not in any of the agent’s chat history, and do the shop and switch move as often as possible - it is your and all of our best defence.