Which is best, Cursor AI or Windsurf?
Cursor is significantly better because Windsurf has extremely limited usage quota. You can run out of your monthly quota in one day with Windsurf. Why OpenAI wanted to buy Cursor but opted for the fast-growing Windsurf | TechCrunch.Cursor isn’t a free-for-all but it’s reasonably good value. There’s a free tier, which I started with, but it includes a limited number of fast model requests. After I ran out, I had to either upgrade or settle for slower responses. Eventually, I moved to the Pro plan, which typically costs $20 per month.Both Cursor and Windsurf have a free plan. As part of the free plan, you get several slow premium requests (this means you get to use premium models, but slower).Windsurf, the AI coding tool, has announced an update to its free plan, offering additional perks. The free tier of Windsurf will provide access to more premium credits, allowing users to experience a complete agentic experience. The premium prompt credits have been upped from five to 25 a month.Both Cursor and Windsurf have a free plan. As part of the free plan, you get several slow premium requests (this means you get to use premium models, but slower).
What is the difference between Cursor editor and Windsurf editor?
But the biggest difference between the two is how Windsurf handles context and writing your code. In Cursor, you usually have to add the context manually or tag the codebase, but Windsurf will automatically analyze the codebase and choose the right file to work on. Windsurf Editor Windsurf Editor is designed to help developers create content-driven websites that require dynamic code integration. Unlike Cursor, which is primarily a code editor, Windsurf focuses on allowing developers to easily manage both content and code in a unified platform.VS Code is the battle-tested workhorse that powers millions of developers globally. In contrast, Windsurf is part of a new wave of AI-native code editors that blend large language models (LLMs) into the development process itself.Other interesting open source alternatives to Windsurf are: Pythagora, Aider, Tabby and Continue. Windsurf alternatives are mainly AI Coding Assistants Tools but may also be AI-Powered Editors or General Purpose Editors.Windsurf has slightly better and more flexible integration capabilities. Both Cursor and Windsurf handle working in GitHub repositories in much the same way: interacting with GitHub via terminal. They also both offer methods for integrating third-party services like APIs.
Is Windsurf the same as Cursor?
Cursor offers broader tool access: Grep searches, fuzzy file matching, and advanced codebase operations. Windsurf provides standard tools: File editing, web search, and terminal commands. Both support web search: However, Cursor’s implementation feels more integrated into the coding workflow. Cursor AI is the way to go if you’re new to coding and want an AI that feels like a friendly guide. It helps you learn, experiment, and vibe with your code without feeling lost. But if you’re a bit more experienced or want a customizable, powerful editor with AI suggestions, VSCode with Copilot is a solid choice.Other interesting open source alternatives to Cursor are: Pythagora, Aider, Tabby and Void. Cursor alternatives are mainly AI Coding Assistants Tools but may also be AI-Powered Editors or General Purpose Editors.Other interesting open source alternatives to Cursor are: Pythagora, Aider, Tabby and Void. Cursor alternatives are mainly AI Coding Assistants Tools but may also be AI-Powered Editors or General Purpose Editors.Superior Context Awareness Cursor AI’s best feature is how well it understands your code. Other tools might only look at one file, but Cursor AI understands your whole project. It does this through three main features: Project-Wide Context: Cursor AI sees how different files and parts of your project work together.Cursor offers broader tool access: Grep searches, fuzzy file matching, and advanced codebase operations. Windsurf provides standard tools: File editing, web search, and terminal commands. Both support web search: However, Cursor’s implementation feels more integrated into the coding workflow.
Which is better Windsurf or Cursor or Cline?
Choose Cursor if you want an AI pair programmer that works like Copilot but smarter. Choose Windsurf if you’re building apps or internal tools with repeatable UI or logic patterns. Choose Cline if your focus is on code quality, debugging, and automating development tasks with multiple AI agents. Cursor is proprietary software and developed by Anysphere Inc, an applied research lab involved in building AI systems. Notably, Cursor’s agent mode can complete tasks end-to-end, quickly executing commands while keeping programmers in the loop.Cursor AI is a powerful AI-assisted coding tool, but its Pro version can be expensive. Fortunately, you can use Cursor AI for free by: Using Cursor AI’s free 14-day pro trial. Resetting the trial period with Cursor Pro Trial Reset Tool.Cursor AI is a powerful AI-assisted coding tool, but its Pro version can be expensive. Fortunately, you can use Cursor AI for free by: Using Cursor AI’s free 14-day pro trial.While tools like ChatGPT can provide general guidance and code snippets, Cursor excels because it integrates directly into your IDE (like VS Code).
Is Copilot better than Windsurf?
In short, Copilot thrives when paired with your existing VS Code setup and is fantastic for fast, in-line support — but it’s still a step behind Cursor and Windsurf when it comes to managing complex projects or generating full applications. Both tools handle codebase Q&A well, but differ in setup. Cursor combines your editor and chat in one place, while Copilot Chat integrates with GitHub, the CLI, and your IDE. If you rely on GitHub for collaboration and PRs, Copilot is super handy. For an all-in-one workspace, Cursor is a great pick.In short, Copilot thrives when paired with your existing VS Code setup and is fantastic for fast, in-line support — but it’s still a step behind Cursor and Windsurf when it comes to managing complex projects or generating full applications.Despite its AI capabilities, Cursor. The editor sometimes lags or freezes, which can be incredibly frustrating when you’re in the middle of a coding session.Cursor required more resources and a bit of adjustment but rewarded me with richer AI assistance. Cursor AI provided detailed explanations and proactive suggestions, which is perfect for beginners. VS Code’s Copilot offered fast inline completions, which is ideal for users who know what they want.
What are the alternatives to Windsurf AI?
Other interesting open source alternatives to Windsurf are: Pythagora, Aider, Tabby and Continue. Windsurf alternatives are mainly AI Coding Assistants Tools but may also be AI-Powered Editors or General Purpose Editors. Windsurf is built around a highly customizable and minimal setup, allowing users to set up the environment to fit specific workflows. IntelliJ IDEA provides a different experience by offering a ready-to-use environment out of the box.Choose Windsurf if you’re building apps or internal tools with repeatable UI or logic patterns. Choose Cline if your focus is on code quality, debugging, and automating development tasks with multiple AI agents.