Continue is the open-source AI layer for your existing editor. Cursor is a separate editor built around AI. Same job, different surface.
The 30-second comparison
| Continue | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Plugin (VS Code, JetBrains) | Forked editor (VS Code based) |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Models | Any (BYO API key, local supported) | Built-in (Cursor's plan includes model usage) |
| Agentic multi-file | Improving | Polished |
| Pricing | Free plugin + API costs | $20/mo (includes generous model usage) |
| Editor switching cost | None (stays in your IDE) | Full editor change |
When to pick Continue
Continue is the right pick when you don't want to change editors. Install the plugin in VS Code or JetBrains, add API keys (OpenAI, Anthropic, or a local model server), and you have inline AI without abandoning your setup.
The open-source provenance also matters for some teams. You can read the source, audit the prompts it sends, run on local models for IP-sensitive work, and never send code to a third party.
Best fits:
- Teams that depend on JetBrains-specific features but want AI
- Privacy-sensitive work (use local models exclusively)
- Devs who don't want to learn a new editor
- Anyone who likes the BYO-model flexibility
The tradeoff: setup is more involved. You're managing API keys, picking models per task, and the agentic features aren't quite as polished as Cursor's.
When to pick Cursor
Cursor is the right pick when you want polished AI defaults out of the box. The agent mode genuinely works for multi-file refactors. Inline completion is faster than Continue's. The "Composer" surface for multi-file edits has no Continue equivalent yet.
You also don't think about model selection — Cursor's plan includes a generous monthly budget that covers most workflows.
Best fits:
- Devs who want one tool that just works
- Heavy users of agentic multi-file edits
- Teams standardizing on AI-first workflows
- Anyone already comfortable with VS Code
The tradeoff: $20/mo, closed-source, and you lose any JetBrains-specific features you depended on.
The honest workflow
Most devs that try both keep one:
- Continue if they care about open-source / stayed in JetBrains
- Cursor if they care about polish and were already on VS Code
Both are excellent. The choice is mostly about which sub-tradeoff matters more for your workflow.
Verdict
For VS Code users who want polish: Cursor. For JetBrains users or open-source advocates: Continue. For developers in both ecosystems: try Continue first (free plugin), upgrade to Cursor only if Continue's agent features fall short.
For more options see our best coding agents 2026.