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AI Tool Comparison

Continue vs GitHub Copilot

A side-by-side breakdown to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.

Continue logo

Continue

Plug any LLM into VS Code or JetBrains and swap models mid-conversation without leaving your editor. Acquired by Cursor in 2026, the project is winding down with a July 15, 2026 data export deadline.

Coding
free
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GitHub Copilot logo

GitHub Copilot

Write code faster with real-time suggestions trained on billions of lines of code. The standard for AI-assisted development in professional teams.

Coding
paid
Visit site Full review →

Bottom Line

GitHub Copilot edges ahead on rating (4.7 vs 4.5), but the right pick still comes down to which workflow you're running.

Choose Continue if…

Code Completion

Choose GitHub Copilot if…

Coding

AttributeContinueGitHub Copilot
CategoryCodingCoding
Pricingfreepaid
Pricing DetailFree (open source) — hosted plans discontinued post-acquisitionFree (limited) / $10/mo Pro (AI Credits, token-based) / $19/mo Pro+
Rating4.54.7

Key Features

Continue

  • Multi-model support
  • VS Code and JetBrains
  • Local LLM integration
  • Codebase indexing
  • Inline edit commands
  • Custom context providers

GitHub Copilot

  • Real-time code completions
  • Chat in editor
  • Pull request descriptions
  • Multi-file context
  • CLI integration

Pros

Continue

  • Fully open-source with active development
  • Works with local models for complete privacy
  • Supports JetBrains, unlike most AI coding tools

GitHub Copilot

  • Deep IDE integration
  • Understands your codebase context
  • Dramatically speeds up boilerplate
  • Excellent multi-language support

Cons

Continue

  • Setup requires API key configuration
  • No built-in free model tier

GitHub Copilot

  • Monthly subscription required
  • Can suggest deprecated patterns
  • Occasional license concern with suggested code

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