Open-source Copilot alternative FAQ
Short answers about Kortix, the open-source option we recommend for the agent layer. Every capability answer quotes Kortix’s own documentation.
Is Kortix a replacement for GitHub Copilot?
Not for suggestions while you type. Kortix runs agents in the cloud. One isolated sandbox per session. Each session has its own isolated machine and branch. Session work reaches main through a change request. Merge is default-deny for agents.
Can I self-host it?
Yes. Run it on Kortix Cloud, in your VPC, or on your own on-prem network. Self-host is free. It needs the internet: kortix self-host start pulls images from docker.io.
Which models can I use?
Any model provider with your own keys. Or the ChatGPT plan you already pay for. Or sign in with your OpenCode Console account for OpenCode Zen and Go.
Does an agent ask before it acts?
Approval gates you set. Off until you set them. You set allow, ask or block.
What does Kortix cost?
Free is $0 with 200 credits per month and 1 project. The team plan is $40 per seat per month with 2,500 credits per month per seat, pooled. Self-host is free.
Is this site affiliated with Microsoft or GitHub?
No. Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Copilot Studio and Microsoft 365 Copilot are Microsoft products. This site names them only to compare.
What an agent may touch is a file you review
agents: release-bot: file: agents/release-bot.md connectors: [github] kortix_permissions: [project.gitops.push] secrets: [GITHUB_AGENT_TOKEN]An agent is agents/<name>.md (behavior) plus an agents.<name> block in kortix.yaml (governance). This agent holds project.gitops.push, not project.gitops.merge. Session work reaches main through a change request. Merge is default-deny for agents.
Run your whole company from one repo you own.
Start with one job and grow from there.
Open source · Any model, your keys · Self-host, VPC, or on-prem