Aider
ActiveOpen source (Paul Gauthier) · founded 2023
Open-source terminal AI pair programmer, BYO API key.
Aider is a free, open-source terminal tool that pairs AI with your local git repo. You bring your own API key (or a local model), so there is no subscription — you pay only for model tokens. It is powerful and private but requires comfort with the terminal.
At a glance
- Category
- AI Coding Tools
- Primary use case
- Terminal AI pair programming
- Entry price
- Free
- Free plan
- Free (open source)
- API
- No
- Open source
- Yes
- Evidence level
- Research / specifications only
- Last checked
- 20 Aug 2026
Pricing
Last checked 20 Aug 2026
| Free plan | Free (open source) |
|---|---|
| Trial | None |
| API pricing | You pay only for your chosen model API (or use a local model free) |
| Usage limits | None built-in; limited by your API key |
The tool is free; you bring your own model (API cost or local).
What it does
Secondary use cases
- Code review
- Refactoring
- Local/private coding
Input types
Code, Text
Output types
Code
Models used
Any (BYO: GPT, Claude, local models)
Agent capabilities
Platforms
✓ Web ✓ Windows ✓ macOS ✓ Linux — iOS — Android — Browser extension — API ✓ CLI — VS Code — Self-hosted
Integrations
GitGitHubLocal models
Privacy & commercial rights
Data retention
Runs locally; code never sent unless you use a cloud API
Trains on your data
No (per stated policy)
Enterprise privacy
Not disclosed
Self-hosting / local
Available
SSO
Not disclosed
Compliance
Not disclosed
Commercial use
Permitted — Apache-2.0; commercial use permitted
Open source
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Repository
- github.com/Aider-AI/aider
- Last commit
- active
- Self-host requirements
- Python 3.8+
- GPU required
- No
Pros & cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Private (local-capable)
- Works with any model
- No subscription
Cons / trade-offs
- Terminal only
- Requires API key setup
- No GUI
Alternatives to Aider
Considering a switch, or comparing before you buy? See the full alternatives guide.