Microsoft Copilot vs Continue (2026)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant powered by GPT-4, integrated into Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365.
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
- ✓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
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
Microsoft Copilot vs Continue: Side by Side
| Factor | Microsoft Copilot | Continue |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Chatbots | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free, Microsoft 365 Copilot from $30/month | Free and open source |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Microsoft 365 users who want AI built into their existing tools | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Microsoft Copilot Features
- ✓GPT-4 powered chat
- ✓Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Image generation
- ✓Web search
- ✓Windows integration
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Microsoft Copilot if microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microsoft Copilot and Continue?
Microsoft Copilot is best for microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools. Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
Which is better, Microsoft Copilot or Continue?
Choose Microsoft Copilot if microsoft 365 users who want ai built into their existing tools. Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance.
How much does Microsoft Copilot cost?
Visit Microsoft Copilot website for current pricing.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
Who should use Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft 365 users who want AI built into their existing tools
Who should use Continue?
Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance