HEAD-TO-HEAD

Cline vs. Continue

See what each agent is suited for and jump to the details that matter for your task.

What matters for your task

Example task Develop software

Cline
A good fit if you want a coding agent in VS Code, JetBrains, the terminal or desktop with your own model access
Continue
A good fit if you want to automate coding tasks in the terminal or CI with cn -p

Workspace Check whether you work in an editor, a terminal, on your own machine or in the cloud.
Approvals Check which actions the agent may take and who approves them.
Model choice Check which models your access includes and whether you can connect your own.

Coding agent with desktop, CLI and extensions

Coding agent for desktop, terminal and editor. It reads and edits project files, runs commands and uses a browser.

Coding agent

Coding agent for the editor and terminal with configurable models and tools.

RequirementModel access by surfaceDesktop supports open models; editor extensions offer Cline access or your own provider keys. Check access for the selected surface.
LimitationDesktop platform statements differThe installation guide lists macOS and Windows beta. The Cline Pass page also lists Linux for desktop v0.0.38. The overview still labels Kanban as a preview.
LimitationAutomatic command approvalThe distinction between safe and other commands uses a model decision. YOLO Mode automatically approves a substantially broader range of actions.

RequirementSetupInstall the editor extension or CLI; the CLI requires a Continue account or Anthropic API key.
LimitationUsage costsModel costs depend on the selected access method. A current flat platform price is not confirmed by the reviewed sources.
Not yet confirmedOutput qualityReview results and write actions before accepting them.

Based on dated provider sources, not hands-on product tests. Prices and availability may change; each profile states its review date.