Continue vs Aider (2026)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: May 13, 2026
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.
Aider
Aider is an open-source AI coding tool that works in your terminal, letting you pair program with LLMs directly in your codebase.
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
Pros
- ✓Free and open source
- ✓Works in terminal
- ✓Multi-file editing
- ✓Supports multiple LLMs
Cons
- ✗Command-line only
- ✗Requires technical setup
- ✗No GUI
Continue vs Aider: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Aider |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance | Developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free AI pair programming |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Aider Features
- ✓Terminal-based AI coding
- ✓Multi-file editing
- ✓Git integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Open source
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Continue if...
- →Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Choose Aider if...
- →Developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free AI pair programming
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Aider if developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free ai pair programming.
How Continue and Aider Are Similar
- •Both are AI Coding Assistants platforms designed for individuals and teams
- •Both are web-based with no software installation required
- •Both use AI to automate or accelerate creative and professional tasks
- •Both offer customer support and documentation to help new users get started
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continue and Aider?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Aider is best for developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free ai pair programming.
Which is better, Continue or Aider?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Aider if developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free ai pair programming.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Aider cost?
Visit Aider website for current pricing.
Who should use Continue?
Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Who should use Aider?
Developers who prefer terminal-based workflows and want free AI pair programming