Tools / coding
GitHub Copilot
We are not scoring how GitHub Copilot is received. Of 40 public posts we found, only 11 carried an opinion either way — and unlike our battles, which are judged by three models from three labs in both presentation orders, sentiment is read by a single model with no second opinion. That is not a strong enough instrument to put a number against. How we measure this.
Is it safe?
Four things worth knowing before you type anything into GitHub Copilot. Where GitHub Copilot says it itself, we quote them and link to the page we read it on.
What happens to what you type?
GitHub uses your inputs to train its AI models by default, but you can turn this off in your account settings.
“You also grant GitHub and its Affiliates a license to collect and use your Inputs and Outputs to develop, train and improve artificial intelligence and machine learning models and technologies including those that power AI Features, unless (a) you opt out through your account settings”
They keep your data for as long as your account is active and as long as they need it.
“We’ll retain your Personal Data as long as your account is active and as needed to fulfill contractual obligations, comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.”
Can it be wrong?
GitHub warns that the generated code might be incorrect or broken, and you must check it before using it.
“Output may be inaccurate, incomplete, or non-functional.”
What should you never type into it?
Until you turn training off in the settings, treat anything you type as something a stranger could one day read. Either way: never passwords, bank details or someone else's private information.
Do you have to give them a card?
No — there is a free version you can use without paying. The paid plans are extra, and you choose to take one.
Every quoted line was found word-for-word in the document linked beside it. Nothing appears here from memory: if we could not find the sentence, the answer says so instead. How we check this
Battles fought
Every claim we hold (6)
- free tiertruegithub.com/features/copilot/plans8 Aug 2026verified
- hn stories 90d89 storiesHN Algolia API3 Aug 2026verified
- hn top points 90d417 pointsHN Algolia API3 Aug 2026verified
- plan business19 USD/monthgithub.com/features/copilot/plans8 Aug 2026verified
- plan pro10 USD/monthgithub.com/features/copilot/plans8 Aug 2026verified
- plan pro plus39 USD/monthgithub.com/features/copilot/plans8 Aug 2026verified