Native GitHub AI review · Comparison

Critique CLI
vs GitHub Copilot Code Review.

GitHub Copilot code review is the native PR review feature inside Copilot Business/Enterprise. It runs on GitHub’s models and lives in the GitHub PR UI.

Install the CLI All comparisons

updated 2026-08-06CLI finish passnative github ai review

Quick answer

Copilot review is the path of least resistance if your org already pays for Copilot seats. Critique CLI is the right pick when you want an independent finish check on local changes — before the PR — with structured output your agent can read, not only another comment thread in GitHub.

What is Critique CLI?

Critique CLI is an independent finish pass for coding agents. It reviews the local working-tree change before commit or PR, returns finish.v1 JSON (outcome, evidence, limits, exit codes), and optionally attaches a repair package. It integrates with Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, and Cursor via `critique integrate`.

Last updated 2026-08-06 · Verify competitor pricing on the vendor site before procurement.

Our pick

Critique CLI

Independent finish check on your working tree. finish.v1 JSON, optional repair packages, integrates with Codex · Claude Code · OpenCode · Cursor.

Install CLI

Built-in Copilot review on GitHub pull requests

GitHub Copilot Code Review

Visit GitHub Copilot Code Review

Critique CLI vs GitHub Copilot Code Review: features

Capability	Critique CLI	GitHub Copilot Code Review
When it runs	◆ Local working tree / agent loop	GitHub PR UI
Independence	◆ Separate verifier with stated limits	Same vendor family as Copilot Chat
Output	◆ finish.v1 JSON + exit codes	PR comments / suggestions
Pricing shape	◆ Team-shared credits / BYOK	Per-user Copilot SKU
Editor lock-in	· None — CLI works with any editor	Best inside GitHub + Copilot

Verify competitor pricing on github.com/features/copilot.

Why teams pick Critique CLI

You want a second opinion that is not the same vendor writing and reviewing the change.
Your agents need a finish command with exit codes, not only Copilot PR comments.
FinOps wants shared credits instead of another per-user SKU.
You review local changes before a PR exists.

When GitHub Copilot Code Review is the right pick

Procurement wants a single Microsoft/GitHub SKU and will not add a CLI.
Your team only cares about PR-time comments inside GitHub.

Common questions

01Is Critique CLI a good alternative to GitHub Copilot Code Review?

02What does Critique cost compared to GitHub Copilot Code Review?

Copilot Business is $19/user/mo and bundles review. Critique Solo/Pro/Team are shared credits for the CLI finish pass; many teams keep Copilot for IDE assist and add Critique as the independent pre-commit check. Critique's public pricing is team-shared: Solo $19/mo, Pro $49/mo, Team $149/mo, plus an $8/mo BYOK harness (OpenRouter or CrofAI) and a $5/mo student/OSS lane.

03What does the Critique CLI actually run?

Critique reviews the change in your local working tree (staged, unstaged, deleted, and bounded untracked text). `critique finish` returns finish.v1 JSON: outcome, evidence, limits, and exit codes. Optional repair modes attach a repair package when warranted. Cloud runs are available when you want a clean remote machine.

04Can I use Critique alongside GitHub Copilot Code Review?

Yes. Many teams keep GitHub Copilot Code Review for its unique strength (see below) and add Critique as the independent finish pass their coding agents call before claiming a task is done. The CLI does not require uninstalling other tools.

05How do I start with Critique CLI?

Run `npm install --global @critiquedotsh/cli`, then `critique login`, `critique integrate --agent all` (Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, Cursor), and `critique finish --intent "…" --json` on a real change.

06What is Critique CLI in one sentence?