AI coding & IDEs · B-tier

Continue

Open-source autocomplete and chat for VS Code and JetBrains, pointed at any model you configure.

Best for

Editors who want open-source chat and autocomplete with their own keys.

What it is

Continue is an open-source autocomplete and chat extension for VS Code and JetBrains. It connects to the model provider you configure, including local models. It is an assistant inside your existing editor, not a full agent IDE.

open-sourceautocompletevscodeAI coding & IDEs

Score breakdown

Capability 40%74
Ease 25%78
Value 20%96
Momentum 15%70

Pricing

Free

Starting price: $0

The extension is open source. You pay the model host, or run a local model at your own cost.

Dates

Released 2023 (year precision).

Added to StackPick 14 Oct 2026.

Alternatives

A-tier · 82

Cline

People who want an IDE agent without a subscription to the agent itself.

B-tier · 79

Aider

Terminal-first developers who want commits, not a new IDE.

B-tier · 76

Zed

People who want a fast editor and light AI, not a full agent subscription.

Questions

What is Continue best for?

Editors who want open-source chat and autocomplete with their own keys.

How much does Continue cost?

Free. Starting price: $0. The extension is open source. You pay the model host, or run a local model at your own cost.

What are alternatives to Continue?

Cline, Aider, Zed are the alternatives we file next to it. Open a comparison when one exists.