Cursor and Windsurf are both AI-native code editors built on VS Code. Cursor pioneered the space with deep codebase awareness and multi-file editing, while Windsurf (by Codeium) offers a polished alternative with Cascade flows and competitive free-tier access.
Pick the use case that matches your needs to find the right tool.
Maximum AI coding power
Cursor's Composer, multi-file editing, and codebase indexing offer the most advanced AI coding experience.
Budget-friendly AI code editor
Windsurf offers competitive features at a lower price point, making it ideal for cost-conscious developers.
Large codebase refactoring
Cursor's deep project understanding and multi-file Composer handle complex refactoring across many files.
Lightweight, fast editing experience
Windsurf is often faster and less resource-intensive while still providing strong AI completions.
Choosing your own AI model
Cursor lets you bring your own API keys and switch between GPT-4, Claude, and other models freely.
VS Code compatibility
Both are VS Code forks, but Windsurf maintains closer compatibility with VS Code extensions and settings.
Freemium
Free Hobby plan with 2,000 completions and 50 slow premium requests/month. Pro ($20/mo) adds 500 fast premium requests and unlimited completions. Business ($40/user/mo) adds team features.
Free tier available with limited features. no credit card required
Freemium
Free tier with unlimited basic completions and limited Cascade actions. Pro ($15/mo) for more Cascade actions and premium models. Enterprise (custom) with advanced features.
Free tier available with limited features. no credit card required
Developers who want the most advanced AI-native code editor with multi-file editing and codebase chat
Developers looking for a fast, affordable AI code editor with strong completions and low resource usage
Codebase Awareness
Multi-file Editing
Free Tier
API Access
Code Generation
Multiple AI Models
Agentic Mode
VS Code Compatibility
Inline Completion
Pricing
Auto-apply Changes
Background Indexing
Community Size
Free Credits
Debugging Assist
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Choose Cursor for the most mature AI-native editing experience with powerful agentic coding. Choose Windsurf for a generous free tier and smooth Cascade-driven workflow.