GitHub Copilot's new token-based billing spurs consternation among devs

Microsoft is switching GitHub Copilot billing from a flat subscription rate to a system based on token usage. The change begins June 1 and charges users based on tokens consumed rather than a fixed rate for requests. Developers have reported large cost increases on Reddit and X. One user said their bill would rise from around 29 dollars per month to nearly 750 dollars and announced plans to cancel. Another described costs climbing from roughly 50 dollars to 3,000 dollars. Some users have attributed the higher figures to inefficient practices known as vibe coding. They maintain that costs stay manageable when the tool is used efficiently. Others have criticized Microsoft for promoting extensive use of the service prior to the billing change. One post said the company facilitated high token consumption and is at fault for the situation. TechCrunch contacted Microsoft for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.