Continue vs Aider
A side-by-side look at Continue and Aider for builders deciding which AI agent fits their stack.
Continue vs Aider: the short version
Continue — Continue is the open-source alternative to Copilot and Cursor. Full control, any model, no vendor lock-in. Key differentiators: - Use any LLM: Claude, GPT-4, Llama, Ollama, etc. - VS Code and JetBrains extensions - Custom slash commands and context providers - Self-host or use their cloud For teams that need flexibility or can't send code to third parties, Continue is the answer. Apache 2.0 licensed.
Aider — Aider is the terminal-first AI coding tool that actually works. No IDE required - just your shell and your repo. Why developers love it: - Git-aware: commits changes automatically - Works with Claude, GPT-4, and local models - Edits multiple files coherently - Benchmarks consistently top the charts Free, open source, and absurdly capable. If you prefer vim/neovim or just love the terminal, Aider is your jam.
Frequently asked
Is Continue better than Aider?
It depends on your stack. Continue — Open-source AI code assistant Aider — AI pair programming in your terminal The right pick comes down to workflow fit, not a single winner.
What's the difference between Continue and Aider?
Continue is positioned as "Open-source AI code assistant" while Aider is "AI pair programming in your terminal". They overlap on Open Source.
Can Continue replace Aider?
For teams already invested in Aider's workflow, Continue is worth trialing where Open Source matters most. Many teams run both.