Continue vs Microsoft 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.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant powered by GPT-4, integrated into Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365.
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
- ✓Free access to GPT-4
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Built into Windows and Edge
- ✓Image generation with DALL-E
Cons
- ✗Less capable outside Microsoft ecosystem
- ✗Privacy concerns for some users
- ✗Features vary by platform
Continue vs Microsoft Copilot: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Chatbots |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free, Microsoft 365 Copilot from $30/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 | Microsoft 365 users who want AI built into their existing tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Microsoft Copilot Features
- ✓GPT-4 powered chat
- ✓Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Image generation
- ✓Web search
- ✓Windows integration
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Microsoft Copilot if microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continue and Microsoft Copilot?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Microsoft Copilot is best for microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools.
Which is better, Continue or Microsoft Copilot?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Microsoft Copilot if microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Microsoft Copilot cost?
Visit Microsoft 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 Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft 365 users who want AI built into their existing tools