Aider vs Continue
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Aider | Continue |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free + API costs | Free (open-source) |
| Primary Interface | Terminal / CLI | VS Code & JetBrains IDE extension |
| Key Differentiator | Git-aware auto-commit + codebase mapping | Shareable agents via public links |
| Model Support | Cloud (Claude, DeepSeek, OpenAI) + local LLMs | BYOM + GPT-5 Codex, Grok Code Fast 1 |
| Latest Status | Actively maintained | Acquired by Cursor, repository read-only |
| Best For | Terminal-first developers, Git workflows | Teams wanting customizable open-source agent in IDE |
If you prefer a terminal-based, actively maintained tool with deep Git integration and codebase-wide awareness, go with Aider. If you need an open-source IDE extension (VS Code/JetBrains) that you can fully customize and share agents via public links, Continue is a viable choice—but note its acquisition by Cursor means no further development. For most developers today, Aider is the safer, more future-proof bet.
Terminal-based AI pair programming with Git-native workflows and codebase-wide awareness
Visit WebsiteOpen-source AI coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains, now frozen after Cursor acquisition.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Solo developer who loves terminal and GitPick: Aider
Aider's terminal-native workflow, automatic Git commits, and codebase mapping let you iterate fast while maintaining full control over changes.
- Team wanting to share custom AI agentsPick: Continue
Continue's shareable agents via public links make it easy to distribute custom prompts and workflows among team members.
- Developer on a tight API budgetPick: Aider
Aider supports local LLMs (zero API cost) and cost-effective cloud combos like DeepSeek R1 + Sonnet, minimizing expenses.
- VS Code user wanting an open-source AI assistantPick: Continue
Continue integrates directly into VS Code and JetBrains, offering autocomplete, chat, and refactoring without leaving the IDE.
- Project needing long-term maintenance and reliabilityPick: Aider
Aider is actively maintained with frequent updates, while Continue is read-only with no future development planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aider vs Continue: which should you choose?
If you prefer a terminal-based, actively maintained tool with deep Git integration and codebase-wide awareness, go with Aider. If you need an open-source IDE extension (VS Code/JetBrains) that you can fully customize and share agents via public links, Continue is a viable choice—but note its acquisition by Cursor means no further development. For most developers today, Aider is the safer, more future-proof bet.
Is Aider free to use?
Aider is free to install; you only pay for LLM API usage (e.g., Claude, DeepSeek, OpenAI) when using cloud models. Local LLMs are free.
Is Continue still supported?
No. Continue was acquired by Cursor; the repository is now read-only and no longer actively maintained. The final release is 2.0.0.
Which tool supports more programming languages?
Aider supports 100+ languages. Continue's language support depends on the IDE but generally covers all languages supported by VS Code/JetBrains.
Can I use Aider inside an IDE?
Yes, Aider can be used from your favorite editor via in-IDE integration and also supports copy/paste integration with web chat LLMs.
Can I bring my own model (BYOM) to Continue?
Yes, Continue supports BYOM—you can connect it to any model provider or self-hosted model.
Does Aider automatically commit changes?
Yes, Aider automatically creates Git commits with sensible messages, making changes transparent and reversible.
Can I share custom agents with my team in Continue?
Yes, Continue allows you to share agents via public links, making it easy to distribute custom prompts and workflows.
Which tool is better for large codebases?
Aider's codebase mapping feature gives it project-wide awareness, making it effective for large, multi-language codebases.
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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026