There are at least a dozen AI code assistants on the market now, and honestly? Most of them are pretty good.
GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, Tabnine—they all autocomplete code effectively. So how do you actually choose?
After testing every major tool and talking to dozens of freelance developers, I’ve learned the decision isn’t about which tool is “best.” It’s about which tool fits your specific situation. Here are the seven factors that actually matter.
1. Your Budget (And How Much You Code)1.
Let’s start with the obvious one: money. But it’s not just about the price—it’s about value per hour of use.
If you code less than 10 hours per week: Use free tools like Codeium or Amazon CodeWhisperer. Paying for premium features you barely use makes no sense.
If you code 10-30 hours per week: GitHub Copilot at $10/month is the sweet spot. It pays for itself in time saved within the first week.
If you code 30+ hours per week on complex projects: Consider Cursor at $20/month. The advanced features (multi-file editing, Composer) justify the higher cost at this volume.
I see freelancers make this mistake constantly: paying for Cursor when they code 15 hours per week, or using free tools when they’re coding 40 hours per week. Match the tool to your usage intensity
2. Client Confidentiality Requirements
This one catches people off guard. Most AI code assistants send your code to cloud servers for processing. For many clients, that’s a deal-breaker.
I lost a potential contract once because I couldn’t guarantee my AI assistant wasn’t using client code for training.
That conversation led me to Tabnine, which runs locally.
Ask yourself:
- Do your clients work in regulated industries (healthcare, finance, government)?
- Do you sign NDAs that explicitly mention code confidentiality?
- Are you working with proprietary algorithms or trade secrets?
If you answered yes to any of these, you need a privacy-focused tool. Tabnine with local execution is the gold standard here. It costs slightly more ($12/month) but eliminates client concerns entirely.
3. Your Primary Tech Stack
Here’s something people overlook: these tools aren’t equally good at everything. They have strengths based on their training data and focus.
GitHub Copilot: Best for mainstream languages and frameworks (JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js). It knows the most common patterns inside and out.
Cursor: Excellent for modern frameworks (Next.js, FastAPI, TypeScript). Struggles more with older tech.
Amazon CodeWhisperer: Unbeatable for AWS-specific work. If you’re building serverless applications or working heavily in the AWS ecosystem, this is purpose-built for you.
Codeium: Jack of all trades, master of none. Good at everything, exceptional at nothing. Actually a strength if you work across many different stacks.
Look at your last five projects. What languages and frameworks dominated? Choose a tool that’s strong in those areas.
4. IDE and Editor Preferences
This matters more than you’d think. Some tools are deeply integrated with specific editors, others work everywhere but not as well.
If you’re a VS Code user: Everything works great. You’re spoiled for choice.
If you use JetBrains IDEs: Copilot, Tabnine, and Codeium all have solid integrations. Cursor won’t work—it’s a standalone editor.
If you’re a Vim/Neovim devotee: Copilot and Tabnine have the best vim integrations. Cursor isn’t an option.
If you’re willing to switch editors entirely: Cursor is worth considering, but only if the features justify leaving your current setup.
I’ve seen developers force themselves to use inferior tools because they’re attached to their editor. Don’t do this.
Either find a tool that works with your editor, or be willing to switch editors if the productivity gains justify it.
5. Learning Stage vs. Production Speed
Are you still learning to code, or are you a working professional optimizing for speed? The answer changes which tool is best.
For learners: Tools that are less aggressive are often better. Tabnine’s conservative suggestions or even basic GitHub Copilot force you to think more. You want to build problem-solving skills, not just copy AI suggestions.
For experienced developers: More aggressive tools like Cursor or Copilot on steroids make sense. You know what good code looks like, so you can review AI suggestions quickly and accept or reject them confidently.
I actually recommend beginners start with Tabnine or Codeium’s free tier. Learn the fundamentals first. Then upgrade to more powerful tools once you have the judgment to use them effectively.
6. Type of Work: Greenfield vs. Legacy
What kind of projects do you typically work on? This dramatically affects which assistant is most useful.
Greenfield projects (building new stuff): Any tool works well. Copilot and Codeium excel here because they’re great at generating new code from scratch.
Legacy codebases (maintaining existing systems): You need tools that understand context. Cursor’s codebase awareness is exceptional for this. Sourcegraph Cody is also fantastic for navigating and understanding large, unfamiliar codebases.
Refactoring heavy work: Cursor wins by a mile. The multi-file editing capabilities are unmatched. If you spend significant time refactoring, the $20/month pays for itself.
I use Cursor for client projects where I’m touching lots of existing code. I use Copilot for new projects where I’m building from scratch. Different tools for different jobs.
7. Trial Period and Switching Costs
Here’s practical advice: most of these tools are easy to try and easy to leave. There’s no lock-in. Use that to your advantage.
My recommended testing process:
- Start with Codeium (free, full-featured, no risk)
- Use it on real projects for two weeks
- If you find limitations, try Copilot (has a free trial)
- Use Copilot for two weeks
- If you need more power, try Cursor (also has trial options)
By the end of a month, you’ll know what you need. Don’t commit to annual plans upfront. Test everything monthly first.
The switching cost is low too. These are just editor extensions (except Cursor). You can try one, hate it, uninstall it, and try another. No migration needed.
How I Made My Decision
For context, here’s my personal setup and why:
Primary tool: Cursor ($20/month) I code 35-40 hours per week on complex client projects. The multi-file editing alone saves me hours weekly. Worth every penny.
Secondary tool: Codeium (free) For side projects and open-source work where I don’t need Cursor’s power. Why pay when free works fine?
Occasional: CodeWhisperer (free) When I’m deep in AWS work, I temporarily enable it because the AWS specific knowledge is too good to ignore.
This setup costs me $20/month and covers every scenario I encounter. Your optimal setup might be completely different based on your factors.
The Decision Framework
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- List your must-haves (privacy? specific language support? budget?)
- Eliminate tools that don’t meet them (narrow your options)
- Try the remaining 2-3 tools (real projects, not toy examples)
- Choose based on feel and results (which made you most productive?)
Don’t overthink it. These are monthly subscriptions, not marriages. Pick one, use it for a month, and switch if it’s not working.
The Bottom Line
There is no universally “best” AI code assistant. There’s only the best one for your specific situation—your budget, your clients, your tech stack, your work style.
For most freelancers, I’d recommend starting with Codeium free. If you find yourself wishing it could do more, upgrade to Copilot. If you’re still limited, jump to Cursor. But start simple and only upgrade when you hit real limitations.
The worst choice is paying for features you don’t use or, conversely, handicapping yourself with inadequate tools to save $10/month. Match the tool to your needs, not the hype.
Quick FAQ
Can I try multiple tools at once?
Technically yes, but don’t run them simultaneously—it causes conflicts. Try one for a week, then switch to another for comparison.
How long should I test before deciding?
Two weeks minimum on real projects. The first few days don’t count—you’re still learning the tool. Week two is when you know if it fits your workflow.
What if I choose wrong?
You haven’t. These are monthly subscriptions. Cancel and try something else. The only real mistake is staying with a tool that’s clearly not working for you.
A.G. Makoudi is a tech writer specializing in SaaS tools and digital solutions, helping readers simplify technology and make smarter software choices.
