AI Code Assistants

Continue

Open-source AI code assistant for any LLM

7.5/10
open-sourceVisit website →

Overview

Open-source AI code assistant that integrates into VS Code and JetBrains. Connects to any LLM (commercial or local) and provides tab completion, chat, and inline editing with full customization.

EJ

Ehsan's Growth Verdict

7.5/10

The open-source Copilot alternative — ideal for teams who want control over their AI

Best for: Engineering teams who need open-source, self-hosted AI coding assistance

Key Features

  • Tab autocomplete
  • Chat with codebase
  • Inline editing
  • Any LLM backend
  • Custom slash commands

Pros

  • + Fully open-source and customizable
  • + Works with any model including local
  • + Strong JetBrains support

Cons

  • Requires configuration
  • No hosted model included
  • Less polished than commercial alternatives

Pricing

PlanDetails
API costsBring your own key
Self-hostedFree
Continue for TeamsCustom pricing

Best Use Cases

Custom AI coding setups
Air-gapped development
Teams wanting model flexibility

Ehsan's Growth Take

Continue is what you deploy when the security team vetoes Copilot. Connect it to a self-hosted model and you get AI coding without any code leaving your network. That is a real unlock for enterprise.

EJ

Ehsan Jahandarpour

AI Growth Strategist & Fractional CMO

Forbes Top 20 Growth Hacker · TEDx Speaker · 716 Academic Citations · Ex-Microsoft · CMO at FirstWave (ASX:FCT) · Forbes Communications Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Continue?
Open-source AI code assistant that integrates into VS Code and JetBrains. Connects to any LLM (commercial or local) and provides tab completion, chat, and inline editing with full customization.
How much does Continue cost?
Continue uses a open-source pricing model. Self-hosted: Free. API costs: Bring your own key. Continue for Teams: Custom pricing.
Is Continue worth it in 2026?
Continue scores 7.5/10 in our expert review. The open-source Copilot alternative — ideal for teams who want control over their AI. Engineering teams who need open-source, self-hosted AI coding assistance.
What are the alternatives to Continue?
Alternatives depend on your specific needs. Compare Continue with other tools in the code category using our comparison tool.
What are the pros and cons of Continue?
Key pros: Fully open-source and customizable, Works with any model including local, Strong JetBrains support. Key cons: Requires configuration, No hosted model included, Less polished than commercial alternatives.