Cursor
by Anysphere
AI-first code editor built on VS Code.
Overview
Cursor is a code editor based on VS Code with AI built into the editing experience. It understands your whole codebase and can make edits across many files.
What it does
Cursor predicts your next edit, answers questions about your codebase, makes multi-file changes with an agent, and lets you choose between several AI models.
Main features
- Codebase-aware chat
- Agent for multi-file edits
- Tab completion that predicts edits
- Multiple model choices
- Imports VS Code extensions and settings
Pricing
Free Hobby plan with limited AI usage. Paid plans add more agent usage and features; business plans add admin controls and privacy settings.
Prices vary by country, currency and billing period and change often, so we don't quote figures. See current prices on the official pricing page.
Strengths and limitations
Our view — editorial assessment, not a claim by the developer.
Advantages
- Feels familiar to VS Code users
- Strong multi-file editing
- Fast iteration
Limitations
- Usage-based limits can be confusing
- Agent changes still need careful review
- Some teams have privacy policies to check first
Best for
- Developers who want AI deeply in their editor
- Startups prototyping fast
- Refactoring large codebases
Alternatives to Cursor
GitHub Copilot
GitHub (Microsoft)
AI pair programmer inside your code editor.
- Inline code suggestions
- Copilot Chat
- Agent mode for multi-file changes
Replit
Replit
Build and deploy apps in your browser with an AI agent.
- Replit Agent builds apps from prompts
- Browser IDE for many languages
- One-click deployment
Claude
Anthropic
AI assistant known for long documents, careful writing and coding help.
- Analysis of long PDFs and documents
- Projects for organising files and instructions
- Artifacts for documents, code and interactive pages
Cursor FAQs
Is Cursor free?
There is a free Hobby plan with limits; paid plans add more usage.
Can I use my VS Code extensions?
Yes, Cursor can import VS Code extensions, themes and settings.
Learn more
How to Use AI for Programming: A Practical Workflow
Use AI coding assistants to learn, write, debug and review code — and avoid shipping bugs and security holes.
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GitHub Copilot vs Cursor: Which AI Coding Tool Is Right for You?
Compare GitHub Copilot and Cursor on editor support, agent features, pricing structure and team use.
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