Github Copilot's new token-based billing sparks outrage among devs

The era of affordable Github Copilot may be coming to an end for small developers and companies. Microsoft's popular coding assistant is switching to a token-based billing system, a move that could significantly increase costs for users. The change, set to take effect on June 1, will see developers charged based on the number of tokens they use, rather than a flat subscription rate.

The new system has sparked widespread criticism among developers, with many taking to online forums like Reddit and X to express their discontent. Some claim that their costs will skyrocket under the new system, with one Redditor estimating that their monthly bill will balloon from $29 to nearly $750. Another user shared a screenshot showing their costs increasing from around $50 to $3,000.

However, not all Copilot users are critical of the changes. Some have argued that the extreme cost increases are a result of poor usage habits, such as 'vibe-coding' – a practice that involves using the tool without a deep understanding of the underlying development work. These users claim that with proper usage, the tool can still be cost-effective, even for small companies.

The economics behind Copilot's previous model have also come under scrutiny, with some users questioning how the company was able to sustain the losses. Others have argued that Microsoft is to blame for the current situation, having encouraged users to use the tool indiscriminately and now pulling the rug out from under them. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the changes to Copilot's billing system will have a significant impact on the way developers use the tool.

While some may find ways to adapt to the new system, others may be forced to reconsider their use of the tool altogether. TechCrunch reached out to Microsoft for comment but did not hear back by publication time.