Continue vs ChatGPT (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.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is OpenAI's AI chatbot and the most widely used AI tool in the world, capable of writing, coding, analysis and more.
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
- ✓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
Continue vs ChatGPT: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Chatbots |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free plan available, Plus 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 | Anyone who needs a general-purpose AI assistant for writing, coding or research |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
ChatGPT Features
- ✓GPT-4o model
- ✓Web browsing
- ✓Image generation with DALL-E
- ✓Code interpreter
- ✓Custom GPTs
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose ChatGPT if anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continue and ChatGPT?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. ChatGPT is best for anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research.
Which is better, Continue or ChatGPT?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose ChatGPT if anyone who needs a general-purpose ai assistant for writing, coding or research.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does ChatGPT cost?
Visit ChatGPT 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 ChatGPT?
Anyone who needs a general-purpose AI assistant for writing, coding or research