ZCode vs GitHub Copilot CLI: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
What are ZCode and GitHub Copilot CLI?
ZCode is a free desktop app from Z.ai that helps you build software using an AI agent. Instead of just chatting with AI inside an editor, you tell ZCode what you want done, and it plans the work, edits your files, runs terminal commands, checks its own results, and keeps working until the task is finished.
It is built around the GLM-5.2 model, which can hold a huge amount of context so it can work on large, complex projects without losing track of details. You can also connect other AI models if you prefer.
ZCode works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and you can even guide tasks from your phone while the agent keeps working on your computer.
GitHub Copilot CLI brings GitHub's Copilot coding agent straight into your terminal. Instead of switching to an editor, you type a request and it can plan the work, edit files, run shell commands, and open pull requests on its own. It connects natively to GitHub, so it can read issues, work with branches, and manage pull requests without extra setup. You can pick from many AI models, including Claude, GPT, and Gemini options, and switch between them as needed. Plan mode lets you review a checklist before any changes happen, while autopilot mode moves faster with fewer stops. Every file change and command needs your approval first, so you stay in control throughout the process.
Features of ZCode and GitHub Copilot CLI
AI agent plans, edits, and tests code
Goal Mode keeps working until tasks pass
Built-in terminal, file manager, and Git panel
Live browser preview for checking results
Custom subagents for research and tasks
Reusable skills and quick commands
Plugin and MCP tool support
Remote access via SSH and Docker
Mobile and bot control while you're away
Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Terminal based AI coding agent
Plans, edits, tests, and ships code
Native GitHub issues and pull request support
Parallel sub agents through /fleet
Plan mode and autopilot mode
Works with Claude, GPT, and Gemini models
MCP servers, skills, hooks, and plugins
Session memory with automatic compaction
Approval required for file and shell changes
Runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows
Use Cases of ZCode and GitHub Copilot CLI
Pricing of ZCode and GitHub Copilot CLI
ZCode is free to download and use, though connecting an AI model needs a paid plan or your own API key.
Lite ($16.20/month): Starts at $16.20 a month, a 10% discount off the regular $18, and covers light use on small projects.
Pro ($64.80/month): The most popular plan, giving five times the usage of Lite, along with priority model access, curated MCP tools, and faster speeds.
Max ($144/month): Gives twenty times the usage of Lite, first access to new models, and dedicated resources during busy times.
Choosing yearly billing saves 30%, bringing Lite to $12.60 a month, Pro to $50.40 a month, and Max to $112 a month, each billed once per year.
GitHub Copilot CLI comes with every Copilot plan, from free to enterprise. The Free plan costs nothing and gives you 2,000 completions a month along with basic models and the CLI itself.
For individuals, the Pro plan is $10 per user each month and unlocks unlimited completions, Cloud Agent access, Code Review, and third-party agents like Claude Code, plus $15 in monthly AI credits. Pro+ moves up to $39 a month with premium Opus models and $70 in credits, while Max costs $100 a month with priority access and $200 in monthly credits.
Teams can choose Business at $19 per user a month for pooled credits and admin controls, or Enterprise at $39 per user a month for organization wide rollout with larger pooled credits and premium support.
FAQs: ZCode vs GitHub Copilot CLI
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