Tabnine vs Replit Ghostwriter [Hands-On Comparison]
AI coding assistants are everywhere, but which is best for you? I put Tabnine and Replit Ghostwriter to the test in real projects. Here’s what I discovered—features, strengths, weaknesses, and my real-world verdict.
At a Glance: What Are These Tools?
Tabnine
- AI code completion tool for multiple IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains, Vim, etc.)
- Works for 20+ programming languages.
- Offers cloud and local (on-prem) models.
- Free and paid plans (Pro adds team features and advanced AI).
- Official Site
Replit Ghostwriter
- Replit’s built-in AI assistant for the Replit browser IDE.
- Provides code completions, explanations, and a powerful "code chat".
- Especially strong for beginners and those learning to code.
- Paid add-on for Replit users (monthly or annual).
- Official Site
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Tabnine | Ghostwriter |
|---|---|---|
| IDE Support | VS Code, JetBrains, Vim, more | Replit IDE (browser-based only) |
| Language Coverage | 20+ languages | Most popular (Python, JS, Java, etc.) |
| AI Features | Completions, code suggestions, team learning | Completions, explanations, code chat |
| Offline Capability | Yes (local/on-prem only with paid plan) | No |
| Pricing | Free & Paid (from $12/mo) | Paid add-on (from $10/mo) |
My Real-World Experience
I used Tabnine in VS Code for a week on JavaScript and Python projects. It felt fast, lightweight, and the code completions were relevant—sometimes even predicting the next line before I thought of it. For teams, the shared learning feature is a plus.
I then tried Ghostwriter on Replit with a side project and a beginner’s Python tutorial. The “Explain Code” and “Ask Code Chat” features were a lifesaver when I got stuck. Ghostwriter feels more like a coding tutor than just an autocomplete tool.
Pros & Cons
Tabnine Pros
- Works in almost every major IDE.
- Fast, privacy-focused (can run locally).
- Customizable models for teams.
- Reliable completions in many languages.
Tabnine Cons
- Advanced features require a paid plan.
- Not as “conversational” as Ghostwriter.
Ghostwriter Pros
- Best-in-class for code explanations and Q&A.
- Perfect for beginners and learning to code.
- Deeply integrated with Replit’s cloud IDE.
- “Code Chat” feels like a real tutor.
Ghostwriter Cons
- Only works in Replit IDE (web, not desktop apps).
- No offline support.
My Verdict: Which Should You Pick?
If you want an AI assistant everywhere you code and value privacy, Tabnine is an excellent choice. Its local model and broad IDE support make it a pro tool.
If you’re learning to code, love browser-based coding, or want an AI tutor, Replit Ghostwriter is unbeatable inside Replit.
My take: I use Tabnine for my “serious” coding, but always recommend Ghostwriter to students or when I’m teaching online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Tabnine free?
Does Ghostwriter work outside Replit?
Which is better for learning?
Comments & Feedback
Have you tried Tabnine or Ghostwriter? Share your experience, questions, or feedback below 👇