AI coding assistants
aider: review, pricing, data and alternatives
aider lets developers edit project files through a conversation using local or remote models. It identifies repository structure, creates Git commits, and runs tests to fix detected errors. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 78/100, #2 of 31 in its category.
| Access | 15/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 30/30 | |
| Trust | 33/40 |
What is aider?
aider lets developers edit project files through a conversation using local or remote models. It identifies repository structure, creates Git commits, and runs tests to fix detected errors.
According to its documentation, aider lets you:
- edit project files through a conversation
- identify the structure of a code repository
- create Git commits for changes
- run tests and fix detected errors
- use remote or local models
- dictate a change request
We file it under AI coding assistants, the category of tools to write and fix code, and it also overlaps with developer tools. The category lists 31 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Aider AI LLC. The service launched in 2023, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers. The need it covers is simple to state: write and fix code.
aider is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does aider cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). Basic use costs nothing.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
aider runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Interface languages: English.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
The source code is public: Aider-AIAider-AI/aider.
How we scored it
Our 78/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 30/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 33/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
aider against other tools in the aI coding assistants category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aider | Yes | not published | Yes | 78 |
| Codex | Yes | $8 per month | Yes | 90 |
| Kilo | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 78 |
| GitHub Copilot | Yes | $10 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Amazon Q Developer | Yes | $19 per month | – | 71 |
| OpenCode | Yes | $10 per month | Yes | 71 |
| Amp | Yes | $20 per month | Yes | 70 |
| Continue | Yes | not published | – | 68 |
Verdict
aider is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Public source code
- Established since 2023
Alternatives
- Codexfree tier
- Kilofree tier
- GitHub Copilotfree tier
- Amazon Q Developerfree tier
- OpenCodefree tier
- Ampfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is aider free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is aider data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does aider have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to aider?
In the same category: Codex, Kilo, GitHub Copilot, and Amazon Q Developer.
aider or Codex: which one to choose?
Our score is 78/100 for aider and 90/100 for Codex. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score