Continue vs GitHub Copilot (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.
GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that suggests code completions and entire functions directly in your editor.
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
- ✓Best code completion in class
- ✓Supports all major languages
- ✓Deep VS Code integration
- ✓Chat feature for explanations
Cons
- ✗Requires internet connection
- ✗Can suggest outdated code
- ✗Privacy concerns for some teams
Continue vs GitHub Copilot: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Individual plan $10/month, Business $19/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 AI code suggestions directly in their editor |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
GitHub Copilot Features
- ✓Code completion
- ✓Multi-language support
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Copilot Chat
- ✓CLI 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 GitHub Copilot if...
- →Developers who want AI code suggestions directly in their editor
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose GitHub Copilot if developers who want ai code suggestions directly in their editor.
How Continue and GitHub Copilot 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 GitHub Copilot?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. GitHub Copilot is best for developers who want ai code suggestions directly in their editor.
Which is better, Continue or GitHub Copilot?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose GitHub Copilot if developers who want ai code suggestions directly in their editor.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does GitHub Copilot cost?
Visit GitHub Copilot 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 GitHub Copilot?
Developers who want AI code suggestions directly in their editor