You can try AI coding help without paying, but free tiers come with limits and they change often. Here is how to approach it, and where to look.
Direct answer
Several tools have offered free tiers: GitHub Copilot (a free plan, and free access for verified students), Cursor (a free plan with limits), Google's Gemini coding tools, Windsurf, and open-source options such as Continue. Check each provider's current terms, because limits, models and offers change. Try one at a time on the same small project.
Free options to look at
| Tool | What it is | Free access (check current terms) |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub Copilot | Autocomplete, chat and agent features in VS Code and other editors | A free plan with limits, and student access through GitHub Education |
| Cursor | AI code editor | A free plan with limits |
| Gemini Code Assist and Gemini CLI | Google's coding assistant and command-line agent | Free options for individuals have been offered |
| Windsurf | AI code editor | A free tier with limits |
| Continue and similar | Open-source extensions for VS Code and JetBrains | The extension is free, but you may pay for the model it uses |
Claude Code is not on this list because it needs a paid plan or API credits. See Claude Code for beginners.
For VS Code and other editors
- VS Code: Copilot, Gemini Code Assist and Continue have extensions.
- JetBrains editors (such as IntelliJ): Copilot has a plugin, and JetBrains offers its own AI features.
- A whole AI editor: Cursor or Windsurf replace your editor.
How to choose
- What editor do you use? Pick a tool that works there.
- Do you want suggestions only, or an agent that edits files? See what AI coding agents are.
- What are the limits on the free plan?
- What happens to your code? Read the privacy terms before using it on private or work projects.
Free tool tips
- Free usage can run out on large tasks, so work in small steps.
- Do not paste secrets such as passwords or API keys.
- Read what it writes. Free does not mean correct.
- Compare two tools on the same task, not on reputation.
Practise without limits
Using a free tool while you are still learning to brief and review wastes your allowance. Teyro's Working with AI Coding Agents course gives you a built-in practice agent in your browser that makes the mistakes real agents make, so you learn the habits first. It is free to start, and nothing to install.
The bottom line
Free tiers are enough to learn on. Pick one, start small, and focus on briefing and checking, which matter in every tool. Comparing the leading two? Read Claude Code vs Cursor.
