# Switch from GitHub Copilot to Claude Code

> Teams want a terminal-native agent that can plan, edit, and run tests across the whole repo instead of inline suggestions.

Source: https://ai.dosa.dev/switch/github-copilot-to-claude-code · Copilot Migrations · Updated 2026-10-15 · Published by dosa.dev

## Why switch

Teams want a terminal-native agent that can plan, edit, and run tests across the whole repo instead of inline suggestions. Costs $10/seat/mo more (+$1,200/yr for a 10-dev team).

## Cost delta

| | GitHub Copilot | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Copilot Pro ($10/mo) | Claude Pro ($20/mo) |
| Per-seat monthly delta | +$10 | |
| 10-dev team annual delta | +$1,200 | |

Costs $10/seat/mo more (+$1,200/yr for a 10-dev team). Model it: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=claude-code:Claude%20Pro

## Config migration

- GitHub Copilot rules: `.github/copilot-instructions.md`
- Claude Code rules: `CLAUDE.md`
- Convert with the Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=claude-md

## 4-step checklist

1. **Audit & export your GitHub Copilot rules** — GitHub Copilot reads repo-level rules from .github/copilot-instructions.md. Convert them to CLAUDE.md with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=claude-md)
2. **Install & configure Claude Code** — Install Claude Code with `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`. Pricing: Freemium — entry plan Claude Pro at $20/mo. (https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code?utm_source=ai.dosa.dev&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Adapt your daily workflow (IDE Plugins → CLI Agents)** — Your assistant moves from inline suggestions to a terminal agent that plans, edits files and runs commands across the repo. Claude Code is best for solo founders, indie hackers, and developers working in real-world codebases who need help with complex, multi-file engineering tasks like refactoring and bug fixing.
4. **Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seats** — Costs $10/seat/mo more (+$1,200/yr for a 10-dev team). Keep GitHub Copilot active for one sprint while Claude Code handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=claude-code:Claude%20Pro)

## What you gain

- Claude Code is best for solo founders, indie hackers, and developers working in real-world codebases who need help with complex, multi-file engineering tasks like refactoring and bug fixing.
- Agentic codebase search and navigation without manual context selection.
- Autonomous multi-file editing and test-fix loops.
- Persistent project context via CLAUDE.md configuration files.

## What you give up

- GitHub Copilot is positioned for developers seeking to accelerate their coding workflow, automate routine tasks like commit messages and PR reviews, and leverage agent-driven development to handle complex multi-file changes. — confirm Claude Code covers that before cancelling seats.
- Claude Code is not ideal for developers seeking inline autocomplete or editor-embedded chat, those who avoid terminal-based workflows, or users looking for a free tool for casual experimentation.

Running both: Many teams run both: keep GitHub Copilot for ide plugins work and use Claude Code for cli agents tasks during the transition.

## Spec sheet

| | [GitHub Copilot](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/github-copilot) | [Claude Code](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/claude-code) |
|---|---|---|
| Company | GitHub | Anthropic |
| Category | IDE Extensions & Plugins | Terminal & CLI Agents |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Entry paid plan | Copilot Pro ($10/mo) | Claude Pro ($20/mo) |
| Rules file | .github/copilot-instructions.md | CLAUDE.md |

## FAQ

### How do I convert my GitHub Copilot rules to Claude Code?

GitHub Copilot reads .github/copilot-instructions.md and Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=claude-md) and review the output before committing.

### Is Claude Code cheaper than GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot starts at Copilot Pro ($10/mo); Claude Code starts at Claude Pro ($20/mo). Costs $10/seat/mo more (+$1,200/yr for a 10-dev team).

### What do I lose when switching from GitHub Copilot to Claude Code?

GitHub Copilot is positioned for developers seeking to accelerate their coding workflow, automate routine tasks like commit messages and PR reviews, and leverage agent-driven development to handle complex multi-file changes. — confirm Claude Code covers that before cancelling seats. Claude Code is not ideal for developers seeking inline autocomplete or editor-embedded chat, those who avoid terminal-based workflows, or users looking for a free tool for casual experimentation.

### Can I use GitHub Copilot and Claude Code together?

Many teams run both: keep GitHub Copilot for ide plugins work and use Claude Code for cli agents tasks during the transition.

## Links

- GitHub Copilot review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/github-copilot
- Claude Code review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/claude-code
- Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=claude-md
- Cost calculator: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=claude-code:Claude%20Pro