Comparison

GitHub Copilot vs Cline

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

GitHub CopilotCline
MakerGitHub / MicrosoftCline
LicenseProprietaryApache-2.0
ModelsSee vendor docsSee vendor docs
Runs inIDE, GitHub, CLIIDE, CLI
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supported?Agent Skills: not yet verified
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supported?AGENTS.md: not yet verified
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • Cline is open source (Apache-2.0); GitHub Copilot is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
  • GitHub Copilot also runs in GitHub.
  • GitHub Copilot supports Agent Skills; we have not verified it for Cline.
  • GitHub Copilot supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Cline.
  • Both support MCP, ACP, 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

Cline

Open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains with a plan/act workflow and an MCP marketplace.

Website

FAQ

Is GitHub Copilot or Cline open source?
GitHub Copilot is proprietary. Cline is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do GitHub Copilot and Cline support MCP servers?
GitHub Copilot: yes. Cline: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between GitHub Copilot and Cline?
Only if both support the Agent Skills format. Check the table above.

Set up MCP servers in either one

MCP install guide for VS CodeAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.