Head to head

Continue vs DeepSeek

Continue and DeepSeek 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
DeepSeekby DeepSeek4.9Setuproll editorial score
PricingOpen SourceFree, bring your own API key
PricingFreemiumLow-cost usage billing
AccessPlugin
AccessAPI
ContextModel-dependent
Context128k context
Open sourceYes
Open sourceNo
Best forCustomisable open assistant
Best forCheap, capable reasoning
Setuproll score4.4
Setuproll score4.9

The verdict

DeepSeek edges ahead overall, with a 4.9 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for cheap, capable reasoning. Continue is the better pick when you want customisable open assistant, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose DeepSeek as the default and reach for Continue when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Continue or DeepSeek better?

Continue holds a 4.4 Setuproll editorial score and is best for customisable open assistant, while DeepSeek holds a 4.9 and is best for cheap, capable reasoning. Pick Continue for customisable open assistant and DeepSeek for cheap, capable reasoning.

What is the difference between Continue and DeepSeek?

Continue is reached as Plugin (open source) with Model-dependent, while DeepSeek is reached as API (freemium) with 128k context. They overlap on AI Coding but lead in different parts of the workflow.

Is Continue cheaper than DeepSeek?

Continue is free, bring your own api key, and DeepSeek is low-cost usage billing. Continue is open source, so it can be the cheaper option if you self-host.

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