What should I use for AI code completion in VS Code?

If you want AI code completion in VS Code, the best choice depends on what you value most:

Best overall

GitHub Copilot

• Very strong autocomplete
• Works smoothly in VS Code
• Good for many languages and everyday coding
• Best if you want “it just works”

Best if you want more chat + completion

Cursor

• VS Code–like editor with built-in AI
• Good for generating/editing code across files
• More of an AI-first coding environment than just an extension

Best free-ish option

Codeium

• Solid completions
• Free tier is attractive
• Good alternative if you don’t want Copilot

Best for privacy / local models

Tabby

• Self-hosted / local-friendly
• Better if you need more control over code privacy
• Usually less polished than Copilot

Best if you want open-source / local experimentation

Continue

• VS Code extension focused on chat, edits, and model integration
• Can use OpenAI, Anthropic, local models, etc.
• Better as an AI assistant than pure autocomplete

My practical recommendation

• If you want the best autocomplete experience: GitHub Copilot
• If you want the best free alternative: Codeium
• If you want AI deeply integrated into the editor: Cursor
• If you care about local/private: Tabby or Continue

If you want, I can also give you a “best choice by budget / privacy / language / team use” recommendation.