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Head to head · 2026

Aider vs Continue

Pricing, free plans, ratings, features, pros and cons, side by side. Where one comes out ahead, we mark it.

Aider

A terminal-based pair programmer that commits its own changes

4.6Free

Visit Aider (opens Aider in a new tab)

Continue

Open source and built to be configured exactly how you want it

4.4$3/mo

Visit Continue (opens Continue in a new tab)

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

  • Lower starting price

    Not comparable

    Not comparable: Aider does not list a price

  • Free plan

    Tie

    Both have one

  • Higher rating

    Aider

    4.6 against 4.4

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Coding tools

Side by side

Compared onAiderContinue
Our rating4.6Better4.4
Starts atFree$3/mo
Free planYesYes
CategoryCodingCoding
PlansFreeFrom $3/mo
Key features
  • Terminal-based, no IDE required
  • Automatic git commits with generated messages
  • Model-agnostic, works with many different LLM providers
  • Open source and free
  • Works alongside a developer's existing editor setup
  • Fully configurable model, context, and command setup
  • Works with hosted or locally run models
  • Custom context providers and slash commands
  • Open source and free
  • VS Code and JetBrains IDE support
Pros
  • Automatic git commits keep a clean, reviewable change history
  • Model flexibility avoids lock-in to one provider
  • Lightweight terminal workflow fits existing developer setups
  • Deep configurability suits developers who want full control over their setup
  • Works with local models for privacy or cost reasons
  • Open source with an active contributor community
Cons
  • No graphical interface, requires comfort with the command line
  • Model API costs apply separately depending on the provider chosen
  • Less visual context than IDE-integrated competitors provide
  • Configuration flexibility means more setup time than an opinionated out-of-the-box tool
  • Quality depends heavily on which model a user chooses to connect
  • Less polished default experience than tools with one curated model
CompanyAider AI, founded 2023Continue Dev, Inc., founded 2023

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260629. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Aider better than Continue?

In our reviews Aider scores 4.6 and Continue scores 4.4. The better pick depends on the job. Aider: A terminal-based pair programmer that commits its own changes. Continue: Open source and built to be configured exactly how you want it.

Which is cheaper, Aider or Continue?

Aider: free. Continue: from $3/mo.

Do Aider and Continue have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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