Cline vs Continue

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool

Cline

🔴Developer

AI Coding

Open-source autonomous coding agent that runs as a VS Code (and JetBrains) extension, using your own API keys to plan, edit files, run terminal commands, and iterate against real feedback — the reference implementation of a transparent agentic coding loop.

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Starting Price

Custom

Continue

🔴Developer

AI Coding

Open-source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains with a hub for custom assistants, MCP tools, prompts, and rules — the go-to when a team wants a Copilot-shaped experience they fully control.

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Starting Price

Custom

Feature Comparison

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FeatureClineContinue
CategoryAI CodingAI Coding
Pricing Plans33 tiers187 tiers
Starting Price
Key Features
  • Open-source coding agent runtime for VS Code, CLI, and SDK embedding
  • Bring-your-own-key support for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other model providers
  • MCP Marketplace for connecting agent tools and context
  • Open-source AI assistant for configurable developer workflows
  • Source-controlled AI checks on every pull request
  • Custom team standards that can be reviewed like code

Cline - Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Shows proposed edits and commands before execution
  • Supports many hosted and local model providers instead of locking users to one
  • Checkpoint history makes experimental agent runs easier to unwind
  • Deep MCP support connects browsers, databases, tickets, and internal tools

Cons

  • BYO-model usage can become expensive during long agent loops
  • Frequent approval prompts trade autonomy for safety
  • Output quality and cost vary substantially by selected model
  • Managed and team pricing needs vendor confirmation

Continue - Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Supports chat, autocomplete, edits, and agents in VS Code and JetBrains
  • Works with hosted, self-hosted, and local model providers
  • Versioned assistants package models, rules, docs, prompts, and tools
  • Apache 2.0 licensing gives teams meaningful control over deployment

Cons

  • Model and embedding configuration can be more work than a bundled assistant
  • Local models require capable hardware and careful quality testing
  • Team-tier prices and exact entitlements were not independently verified
  • A broad provider matrix can create inconsistent experiences across developers

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