
Continue
Open-source Copilot for VS Code and JetBrains — bring your own model.
Visit Continue Free (BYO API key)
Quick verdict
- Best for
- JetBrains users (Copilot is weaker there)
- Pricing
- Free (BYO API key)
- Not ideal if
- Autocomplete quality slightly trails GitHub Copilot
What is Continue?
Continue is an open-source autocomplete + chat extension for VS Code and JetBrains. Plug in any model (Claude, GPT, Ollama for local) and get a Copilot-equivalent experience with no subscription.
Key features
- VS Code + JetBrains support
- Inline autocomplete + chat
- Local model support via Ollama
- Custom slash commands + context providers
- Open source (Apache 2.0)
Pros
- Drop-in Copilot replacement at $0
- Local models work offline
- Customisable in ways Copilot is not
Cons
- Autocomplete quality slightly trails GitHub Copilot
- Setup more involved
Best for
JetBrains users (Copilot is weaker there)Developers preferring open sourceAnyone running local Llama / DeepSeek
Alternatives to Continue
GitHub Copilot
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Microsoft and GitHub's coding AI — built into your IDE.
FreemiumFree for students, $10/mo individual
Released June 2021Cursor
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The AI code editor most pro developers swap to.
FreemiumFree, Pro from $20/mo
Released March 2023Tabnine
4.0
Privacy-focused AI code completion for enterprises.
FreemiumFree (basic), Pro $9/mo
Released November 2013

