Cursor vs Continue (2026)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
Cursor vs Continue: Side by Side
| Factor | Cursor | Continue |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free plan available, Pro from $20/month | Free and open source |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Developers who want a fully AI-native coding environment | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Cursor Features
- ✓AI chat with codebase context
- ✓Multi-file composer
- ✓Code completion
- ✓VS Code extension compatibility
- ✓Custom AI rules
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
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 Cursor if developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
How Cursor and Continue 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 Cursor and Continue?
Cursor is best for developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment. Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
Which is better, Cursor or Continue?
Choose Cursor if developers who want a fully ai-native coding environment. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
How much does Cursor cost?
Visit Cursor website for current pricing.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
Who should use Cursor?
Developers who want a fully AI-native coding environment
Who should use Continue?
Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance