Continue vs 
Roo Code
Continue vs Roo Code compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Open-source autocomplete and chat in your IDE vs Customizable agentic coder (Cline fork).
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Continue vs Roo Code at a glance
| Spec | Continue | Roo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Coding assistant | Coding assistant |
| Type | IDE extension | IDE agent |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Cloud-optional | Cloud-optional |
| Primary language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | developers who want a customizable in-IDE copilot | developers who want custom agent modes |
| GitHub stars | 35.2k | — |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Continue | Roo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Autocomplete | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agent mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local models | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-IDE | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-hostable | ✗ | ✗ |
How Continue and Roo Code score
| Criterion | Continue | Roo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 4.0 | n/a |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | n/a |
| Ease of use | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
Continue
Continue is an open-source IDE extension for VS Code and JetBrains that brings autocomplete, chat and edits using any model, including local ones via Ollama.
- Works in VS Code and JetBrains
- Bring any model, including local via Ollama
- Highly customizable context and commands
Roo Code
Roo Code is an agentic coding assistant for VS Code (a feature-rich Cline fork) with custom modes, prompts and tooling for tailored workflows.
- Custom modes and prompts for tailored workflows
- Agentic editing with approvals
- Active, fast-moving development
Key differences
Continue is iDE extension, while Roo Code is iDE agent. Continue leans more beginner-friendly, whereas Roo Code is more suited to intermediate users. In short, Continue fits developers who want a customizable in-IDE copilot, and Roo Code fits developers who want custom agent modes.
Which should you choose?
Choose Continue for developers who want a customizable in-IDE copilot. Choose Roo Code for developers who want custom agent modes.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Continue or Roo Code easier to use?
Continue is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while Roo Code rewards more setup with more control.
Are Continue and Roo Code free?
Continue is free and open source (Apache-2.0), and Roo Code is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Continue and Roo Code locally?
Continue: cloud-optional · Roo Code: cloud-optional. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Continue vs Roo Code — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Continue for developers who want a customizable in-IDE copilot. Choose Roo Code for developers who want custom agent modes.
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