Comparison

GitHub Copilot vs goose

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

GitHub Copilotgoose
MakerGitHub / MicrosoftBlock, now at the Agentic AI Foundation
LicenseProprietaryApache-2.0
ModelsSee vendor docsMany providers, including local models
Runs inIDE, GitHub, CLIDesktop, Terminal, API
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • goose 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 IDE, GitHub, CLI; goose also runs in Desktop, Terminal, API.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, 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

goose

Open-source, extensible agent with desktop app, CLI and API. Its extensions are MCP servers. A founding project of the Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation.

WebsiteMCP docs

FAQ

Is GitHub Copilot or goose open source?
GitHub Copilot is proprietary. goose is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do GitHub Copilot and goose support MCP servers?
GitHub Copilot: yes. goose: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between GitHub Copilot and goose?
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.