ChatGPT vs Continue (2026)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: May 12, 2026
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is OpenAI's AI chatbot and the most widely used AI tool in the world, capable of writing, coding, analysis and more.
Continue
Continue is an open-source AI code assistant that integrates into VS Code and JetBrains, letting you use any LLM as your coding assistant.
Pros
- ✓Most capable general AI
- ✓Huge plugin ecosystem
- ✓Great for writing and coding
- ✓GPT-4o included in free tier
Cons
- ✗Can hallucinate facts
- ✗No real-time web in free plan
- ✗Rate limits on free tier
Pros
- ✓Open source and free
- ✓Use any LLM including local models
- ✓Good IDE integration
- ✓Privacy-friendly local model option
Cons
- ✗Requires LLM API keys
- ✗Less polished than Copilot
- ✗Setup required
ChatGPT vs Continue: Side by Side
| Factor | ChatGPT | Continue |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Chatbots | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free plan available, Plus from $20/month | Free and open source |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Anyone who needs a general-purpose AI assistant for writing, coding or research | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ChatGPT Features
- ✓GPT-4o model
- ✓Web browsing
- ✓Image generation with DALL-E
- ✓Code interpreter
- ✓Custom GPTs
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ChatGPT if anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ChatGPT and Continue?
ChatGPT is best for anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research. Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
Which is better, ChatGPT or Continue?
Choose ChatGPT if anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
How much does ChatGPT cost?
Visit ChatGPT website for current pricing.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
Who should use ChatGPT?
Anyone who needs a general-purpose AI assistant for writing, coding or research
Who should use Continue?
Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance