Comparison

GitHub Copilot vs Amp

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

GitHub CopilotAmp
MakerGitHub / MicrosoftAmp
LicenseProprietaryProprietary
ModelsSee vendor docsSee vendor docs
Runs inIDE, GitHub, CLITerminal, IDE
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supported?ACP: not yet verified

Key differences

  • Both are proprietary products from their vendors.
  • GitHub Copilot also runs in GitHub, CLI; Amp also runs in Terminal.
  • GitHub Copilot supports ACP; we have not verified it for Amp.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

GitHub Copilot

Copilot's coding agent and VS Code agent mode. Agent Skills, AGENTS.md and MCP are supported; ACP support is in public preview.

WebsiteMCP docs

Amp

Frontier coding agent for terminal and editor. Co-created the AGENTS.md convention and supports Agent Skills.

Website

FAQ

Is GitHub Copilot or Amp open source?
GitHub Copilot is proprietary. Amp is proprietary.
Do GitHub Copilot and Amp support MCP servers?
GitHub Copilot: yes. Amp: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between GitHub Copilot and Amp?
Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.

Set up MCP servers in either one

MCP install guide for VS CodeAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.