Cursor
AI-first code editor built on VS Code that autocompletes, answers questions and applies multi-file changes from a single instruction.
Overview
Cursor is a standalone editor forked from VS Code that weaves AI assistance into every part of the coding workflow. Tab completion predicts and fills multi-line edits; Composer mode applies a written change across several files at once; and a chat panel can read the whole codebase to answer architecture questions. It can connect to any supported language model and respects existing VS Code extensions and keybindings, so the transition from VS Code is lightweight.
Key features
- Tab completion with multi-line prediction
- Composer: multi-file agentic change mode
- Codebase-aware chat panel
- Bring-your-own model support
- VS Code extension compatibility
Pricing
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Monthly
- From $20/month
- Yearly
- Not on record
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- Not on record
- Last verified
- Checked October 4, 2026
Pros
- Multi-file changes from a single instruction
- Familiar VS Code interface for existing users
- Supports switching between multiple underlying models
Cons
- Requires code to leave the local machine for cloud models
- Paid plan needed for heavy usage beyond free limits
Who should use it
- Developers who want an AI-first editor without leaving the VS Code ecosystem
- Building features from a plain-English description
- Exploring and understanding an unfamiliar codebase quickly
Intermediate, Advanced · Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams
Who shouldn't
- Developers committed to Vim, Emacs or JetBrains who do not want to switch editors
- Teams with strict data-residency requirements that prevent sending code to external APIs
Facts
- Category
- AI coding
- Platforms
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Integrations
- GitHub, VS Code Extensions, Linear, Jira
- API
- Not on record
- Skill level
- Intermediate, Advanced
- Team size
- Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams
- Data and privacy
- We have no verified details on data handling. Read the vendor's privacy policy before uploading sensitive material.
Alternatives
- GitHub CopilotAI coding
AI pair programmer for VS Code, JetBrains and other editors that suggests completions and can make agentic multi-file changes.
From $10/month - ZedAI coding
Open-source, high-performance code editor with built-in AI completions, inline editing and an agentic mode for multi-file tasks.
From $10/month - ClineAI coding
Open-source VS Code extension that gives Claude, GPT-4 and other models agentic access to your files, terminal and browser.
Open source, free to self-host - Claude CodeAI coding
Terminal-based agentic coding tool from Anthropic that reads a codebase, edits files and runs commands to complete tasks end to end.
Usage-based pricing
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cursor cost?
From $20/month. Checked October 4, 2026.
Does Cursor have a free plan?
Yes. Cursor has a free plan.
Who is Cursor best for?
Developers who want an AI-first editor without leaving the VS Code ecosystem; Building features from a plain-English description; Exploring and understanding an unfamiliar codebase quickly.
Which platforms does Cursor run on?
macOS, Windows, Linux.
Does Cursor have an API?
Our data does not list a public API for Cursor.
What are the alternatives to Cursor?
Tools often weighed against Cursor include GitHub Copilot, Zed, Cline, Claude Code.