Continue vs Bolt.new (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.
Bolt.new
Bolt.new is an AI-powered browser-based development environment by StackBlitz that lets you build and deploy full-stack apps from a prompt.
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
- ✓Build full apps from prompts
- ✓Browser-based no setup
- ✓One-click deployment
- ✓Great for prototyping
Cons
- ✗Best for smaller projects
- ✗Can struggle with complex apps
- ✗Costs add up with usage
Continue vs Bolt.new: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Bolt.new |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free plan available, paid from $20/month |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance | Entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with AI |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Bolt.new Features
- ✓Full-stack app generation
- ✓Browser-based IDE
- ✓One-click deployment
- ✓AI code editing
- ✓Multiple framework support
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Continue if...
- →Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Choose Bolt.new if...
- →Entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with AI
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Bolt.new if entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with ai.
How Continue and Bolt.new 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 Bolt.new?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Bolt.new is best for entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with ai.
Which is better, Continue or Bolt.new?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Bolt.new if entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with ai.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Bolt.new cost?
Visit Bolt.new 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 Bolt.new?
Entrepreneurs and developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly with AI