Cursor vs Windsurf
Cursor and Windsurf are both AI-first code editors built on the VS Code foundation, with an agent that can read your project, edit multiple files and run commands. They feel similar day to day; the differences are mostly in pricing structure, model choice and ecosystem.
Side-by-side
| Cursor | Windsurf | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | AI code editor (VS Code fork) with agent, chat and autocomplete | AI code editor (VS Code fork) with the Cascade agent, chat and autocomplete |
| Free option | Yes, with limited agent and chat requests | Yes, a free tier with limited usage |
| Paid plans | Individual tiers from $8/mo up to $200/mo, plus Teams from $30/user/mo (cursor.com/pricing, Oct 2026) | Paid individual and team plans; check windsurf.com for current pricing |
| Extensions | Most VS Code extensions work | Most VS Code extensions work |
| Also offers | Cloud agents, AI code review (Bugbot) on higher tiers | Plugins for JetBrains and other IDEs in addition to its own editor |
Pricing and features checked against the vendors' public pages in October 2026 and can change. Always confirm on the official site.
Who each is best for
Cursor ↗
Developers who want a large community, frequent releases and features like cloud agents and AI code review.
Windsurf ↗
Developers who like the Cascade agent workflow or want the same assistant inside JetBrains IDEs as well.
Verdict
Both are strong choices and the gap between them changes with each release. Try both free tiers on a real project for a few days; pick the one whose agent handles your codebase better. If you mostly work in JetBrains IDEs, Windsurf's plugin support is a point in its favor.
FAQ
Is Cursor or Windsurf free?
Both have free tiers with limited AI usage. Heavier use needs a paid plan.
Can I import my VS Code settings?
Yes. Both are based on VS Code and can import extensions, themes and keybindings.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are approachable. Beginners who will also build full apps without coding may prefer an app builder like Lovable or Bolt instead.
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