Head to head

Continue vs Aider

Continue and Aider both work in AI Coding. Here is how they stack up on pricing, access, context and our editorial scores, and which one to pick.

Side by side

Tool
Continueby Continue4.4Setuproll editorial score
Tool
Aiderby Aider (open source)4.8Setuproll editorial score
PricingOpen SourceFree, bring your own API key
PricingOpen SourceFree, bring your own API key
AccessPlugin
AccessCLI
ContextModel-dependent
ContextModel-dependent
Open sourceYes
Open sourceYes
Best forCustomisable open assistant
Best forGit-native pair coding in the terminal
Setuproll score4.4
Setuproll score4.8

The verdict

Aider edges ahead overall, with a 4.8 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for git-native pair coding in the terminal. Continue is the better pick when you want customisable open assistant, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose Aider as the default and reach for Continue when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Continue or Aider better?

Continue holds a 4.4 Setuproll editorial score and is best for customisable open assistant, while Aider holds a 4.8 and is best for git-native pair coding in the terminal. Pick Continue for customisable open assistant and Aider for git-native pair coding in the terminal.

What is the difference between Continue and Aider?

Continue is reached as Plugin (open source) with Model-dependent, while Aider is reached as CLI (open source) with Model-dependent. They overlap on AI Coding but lead in different parts of the workflow.

Is Continue cheaper than Aider?

Continue is free, bring your own api key, and Aider is free, bring your own api key. Both have a path to start without a large upfront cost.

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