AI code editors · ranked 05
Continue
Open-source autopilot for VS Code and JetBrains. Bring your own model.
Best for Owning the extension and choosing the model
Continue is an open-source AI coding extension for VS Code and JetBrains. You connect a model provider or a local model and use chat, edit, and autocomplete in the editor you already have. You pay the model provider, not Continue, for the open-source product.
Best use cases
- Adding an agent to stock VS Code
- Pointing the assistant at a local or cheap model
- Avoiding a locked-in editor subscription
Pros
- + Open source, so you can read and change it
- + Works in VS Code and JetBrains
- + Model choice stays with you
Cons
- − You assemble the model, keys, and config yourself
- − The polish of an all-in-one editor is not the goal
Pricing
Open source and free. Model usage is billed by the provider you connect. Provider rates: check site.
Alternatives
Coding and CLI agents
7.6
Cline
Open-source coding agent inside VS Code. Bring your own model.
Best for An agent inside stock VS Code
AI code editors
8.6
Cursor
AI editor on a VS Code fork, with tab, inline edit, and an agent.
Best for Daily driving an AI editor on a real repo
AI code editors
7.5
Zed
A fast collaborative editor with built-in edit predictions.
Best for A fast editor when VS Code feels heavy