Continue vs Character AI (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.
Character AI
Character.ai lets users create and chat with AI characters, from fictional personas to celebrity-style bots and productivity assistants.
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
- ✓Fun and engaging character interactions
- ✓Large community of characters
- ✓Good for entertainment and roleplay
- ✓Free tier available
Cons
- ✗Not for professional use
- ✗Content restrictions on some topics
- ✗Less capable for work tasks
Continue vs Character AI: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Character AI |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Chatbots |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free plan available, c.ai+ from $9.99/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 | Entertainment seekers and creative writers who enjoy interactive AI character conversations |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Character AI Features
- ✓Custom AI characters
- ✓Community character library
- ✓Memory features
- ✓Group chats
- ✓Mobile apps
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Character AI if entertainment seekers and creative writers who enjoy interactive ai character conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continue and Character AI?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Character AI is best for entertainment seekers and creative writers who enjoy interactive ai character conversations.
Which is better, Continue or Character AI?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Character AI if entertainment seekers and creative writers who enjoy interactive ai character conversations.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Character AI cost?
Visit Character AI 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 Character AI?
Entertainment seekers and creative writers who enjoy interactive AI character conversations