Head to head

DeepSeek vs Continue

DeepSeek and Continue 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
DeepSeekby DeepSeek4.9Setuproll editorial score
Tool
Continueby Continue4.4Setuproll editorial score
PricingFreemiumLow-cost usage billing
PricingOpen SourceFree, bring your own API key
AccessAPI
AccessPlugin
Context128k context
ContextModel-dependent
Open sourceNo
Open sourceYes
Best forCheap, capable reasoning
Best forCustomisable open assistant
Setuproll score4.9
Setuproll score4.4

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 DeepSeek or Continue better?

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

What is the difference between DeepSeek and Continue?

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

Is DeepSeek cheaper than Continue?

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

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