Head to head

Continue vs Ollama

Continue and Ollama 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
Ollamaby Ollama (open source)4.7Setuproll editorial score
PricingOpen SourceFree, bring your own API key
PricingOpen SourceFree and open source
AccessPlugin
AccessLocal
ContextModel-dependent
ContextModel-dependent
Open sourceYes
Open sourceYes
Best forCustomisable open assistant
Best forRunning open-weight models locally with one command
Setuproll score4.4
Setuproll score4.7

The verdict

Ollama edges ahead overall, with a 4.7 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for running open-weight models locally with one command. Continue is the better pick when you want customisable open assistant, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose Ollama as the default and reach for Continue when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Continue or Ollama better?

Continue holds a 4.4 Setuproll editorial score and is best for customisable open assistant, while Ollama holds a 4.7 and is best for running open-weight models locally with one command. Pick Continue for customisable open assistant and Ollama for running open-weight models locally with one command.

What is the difference between Continue and Ollama?

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

Is Continue cheaper than Ollama?

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

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