Continue vs Cursor (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.
Cursor
Cursor is an AI-first code editor built on VS Code that lets you chat with your codebase and write code with AI assistance.
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
- ✓Codebase-aware AI chat
- ✓Built on VS Code so familiar
- ✓Composer for multi-file edits
- ✓Fast and responsive
Cons
- ✗Separate app from VS Code
- ✗Pro plan required for best models
- ✗Still maturing as a product
Continue vs Cursor: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free plan available, Pro 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 | Developers who want a fully AI-native coding environment |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Cursor Features
- ✓AI chat with codebase context
- ✓Multi-file composer
- ✓Code completion
- ✓VS Code extension compatibility
- ✓Custom AI rules
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Continue if...
- →Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Cursor if developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment.
How Continue and Cursor 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 Cursor?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Cursor is best for developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment.
Which is better, Continue or Cursor?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Cursor if developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Cursor cost?
Visit Cursor 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 Cursor?
Developers who want a fully AI-native coding environment