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Claude Code vs Continue vs GitHub Copilot

All three are code assistant tools. Here is what separates them.

Claude CodeContinueGitHub Copilot
What it isAnthropic’s terminal-based coding agent: it reads the repository, edits files, runs tests and commits.An open-source assistant for VS Code and JetBrains that you point at whichever model you want, including local ones.AI pair programmer that helps you write code faster with intelligent suggestions right in your IDE.
CategoryCode AssistantCode AssistantCode Assistant
PricingPaid · Included with Claude Pro $20/mo · Max from $100/moFree · Free · self-hostedPaid · $10-$39/mo
How it billsBundledFreeFlat monthly
Free tierNoYesNo
RatingNot yet ratedNot yet rated4.6 from 11,200 reviews
Features
  • Multi-file edits across a repository
  • Runs tests and iterates on failures
  • Git-aware, can commit and open pull requests
  • CLI, desktop, web and IDE extensions
  • Extensible with MCP servers and custom skills
  • Works with hosted or local models
  • VS Code and JetBrains extensions
  • Configuration as a file in your repo
  • Custom context providers
  • No telemetry by default
  • Real-time code completion
  • Chat-based assistance
  • Multi-file editing
  • Test generation
  • Code explanation
  • Vulnerability detection
  • PR summaries
  • CLI assistance
What works
  • Handles whole tasks rather than single lines
  • Strong at understanding an unfamiliar codebase
  • Works with any editor because it lives in the terminal
  • Code never has to leave your machine
  • No subscription
  • Model choice is entirely yours
  • Massive productivity boost
  • Multi-language support
  • Excellent IDE integration
  • Learns from your codebase
  • Active development
What does not
  • Requires a paid Claude plan
  • Reviewing large diffs takes discipline
  • Token cost adds up on big repositories
  • Requires setup and a model to point at
  • Quality depends on what you connect
  • Fewer conveniences than commercial editors
  • Requires subscription
  • Occasional incorrect suggestions
  • Privacy concerns with code
  • Can slow down IDE
  • Variable quality by language
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