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Head to head · 2026

Cline vs Continue

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

Cline

Shows you the exact changes before it makes them

4.5Free

Visit Cline (opens Cline 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: Cline does not list a price

  • Free plan

    Tie

    Both have one

  • Higher rating

    Cline

    4.5 against 4.4

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Coding tools

Side by side

Compared onClineContinue
Our rating4.5Better4.4
Starts atFree$3/mo
Free planYesYes
CategoryCodingCoding
PlansFreeFrom $3/mo
Key features
  • Shows planned file edits and commands before executing them
  • Model-agnostic, works with multiple LLM providers
  • Early adopter of the Model Context Protocol (MCP)
  • Open source and free to use
  • VS Code extension, no separate editor required
  • 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
  • Transparent, approve-before-acting workflow builds real trust in its actions
  • Model flexibility avoids lock-in to a single AI provider
  • Free and open source with an active community
  • 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
  • Approval-based workflow can feel slower than fully autonomous competitors
  • Model API costs apply separately depending on the provider chosen
  • VS Code extension only, not a standalone editor
  • 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
CompanyCline Bot Inc., founded 2024Continue 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 Cline better than Continue?

In our reviews Cline scores 4.5 and Continue scores 4.4. The better pick depends on the job. Cline: Shows you the exact changes before it makes them. Continue: Open source and built to be configured exactly how you want it.

Which is cheaper, Cline or Continue?

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

Do Cline and Continue have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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