Tabby — Cursor alternative
Tabby is a self-hosted AI coding assistant, offering an open-source and on-premises alternative to GitHub Copilot. It boasts several key features: Self-contained, with no need for a DBMS or cloud service. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, Tabby provides intelligent, context-aware code suggestions that seamlessly integrate into your existing workflow. Solo developers prefer it for complete data control and zero subscription costs. With Tabby, every team can set up its own LLM-powered code completion server with ease.
Strengths
- Self-contained setup with no need for DBMS or cloud service dependencies
- Free and open-source with compatibility for major coding LLMs (CodeLlama, StarCoder, CodeGen)
- OpenAPI interface enables easy integration with existing infrastructure and Cloud IDEs
- Supports consumer-grade GPUs for local deployment
- Complete data privacy through self-hosting with no external data transmission
- Up to 5 users free in Community plan
Weaknesses
- Requires infrastructure setup and maintenance overhead compared to cloud solutions
- Limited model selection compared to hosted services with latest AI models
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise for deployment and scaling
- Code quality concerns reported by some users regarding suggestion accuracy
Best for
Solo developers and small teams prioritizing data privacy and cost control.
Pricing plans
- Community — Free — Up to 5 users, local deployment, code completion and chat features
- Team — $19/month per seat — Up to 50 users, flexible deployment options
- Enterprise — Custom pricing — Unlimited users, customized deployment, enhanced security
Tech details
- Type: Self-hosted AI coding assistant
- IDEs: OpenAPI interface supports integration with existing infrastructure including Cloud IDEs
- Key features: Code completion, answer engine, in-line chat, context providers, code browser
- Privacy / hosting: Self-hosted, local deployment, complete data control
- Models / context window: Compatible with CodeLlama, StarCoder, CodeGen, context window size Unknown
When to choose this over Cursor
- You need complete control over code data and cannot use cloud-based services
- Budget constraints favor one-time setup costs over recurring subscriptions
- Your infrastructure can support consumer-grade GPU requirements
When Cursor may be a better fit
- You prefer managed cloud services without infrastructure maintenance overhead
- You need access to latest AI models and frequent updates
- Team collaboration features and seamless updates are priorities
Conclusion
Tabby offers a powerful, self-hosted AI coding assistant that provides a compelling alternative to GitHub's Co-Pilot. It serves developers who prioritize data privacy and cost control. The open-source nature enables customization but requires technical investment. Among Cursor alternatives, Tabby stands out for organizations needing complete control over their AI coding infrastructure.
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