
Continue
Open-source Copilot for VS Code and JetBrains — bring your own model.
Visit Continue Free (BYO API key)
What is Continue?
Continue is an open-source autocomplete + chat extension for VS Code and JetBrains. Plug in any model (Claude, GPT, Ollama for local) and get a Copilot-equivalent experience with no subscription.
Key features
- VS Code + JetBrains support
- Inline autocomplete + chat
- Local model support via Ollama
- Custom slash commands + context providers
- Open source (Apache 2.0)
Pros
- Drop-in Copilot replacement at $0
- Local models work offline
- Customisable in ways Copilot is not
Cons
- Autocomplete quality slightly trails GitHub Copilot
- Setup more involved
Best for
JetBrains users (Copilot is weaker there)Developers preferring open sourceAnyone running local Llama / DeepSeek
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