GitHub Copilot's token-based billing sparks developer backlash
Microsoft's GitHub Copilot is switching from a flat subscription fee to a token-usage billing model effective June 1, potentially raising costs dramatically for individual developers and small companies. Developers on Reddit and X report cost increases from around $29/month to nearly $750/month, or from $50 to $3,000. Critics argue the new model is prohibitively expensive, while some users defend it, claiming high token consumption results from inefficient 'vibe coding' by inexperienced users. Others question the economics of the previous model, suggesting Microsoft was subsidizing heavy usage. Some developers blame Microsoft for encouraging indiscriminate use of the chatbot and then changing the billing structure. TechCrunch reached out to Microsoft for comment but received no response by publication.
Key facts
- GitHub Copilot is switching from flat subscription to token-usage billing.
- New billing model takes effect June 1.
- Users report cost increases from $29 to $750 per month.
- Another user reported costs rising from $50 to $3,000.
- Some developers criticize the new pricing as 'ridiculous'.
- Others defend the model, blaming high token usage on 'vibe coding'.
- Critics say Microsoft encouraged heavy use and then changed the billing.
- TechCrunch did not receive a response from Microsoft by publication.
Entities
Institutions
- Microsoft
- GitHub
- TechCrunch
- X