Cursor
The AI-first code editor
Overview
Cursor is what happens when you build a code editor around AI from the ground up rather than bolting it on. Built on VS Code, it's immediately familiar to most developers but adds AI capabilities that genuinely change how you write code.
The key differentiator is codebase understanding — Cursor reads your entire project and uses that context to give accurate, relevant suggestions. Ask it to add a feature and it understands how your existing code works and writes something that fits.
For businesses with technical teams, Cursor can significantly increase developer output. Non-technical founders are also using it to build and iterate on products without needing to hire developers for every change.
Cursor is the most significant productivity tool for developers since GitHub Copilot, and it's better. The codebase understanding makes it feel less like autocomplete and more like pairing with a senior developer. For any technical team, the productivity gains justify the cost immediately.
Scores
Cursor category scores
How it compares overall
Key features
Codebase Understanding
Indexes your entire codebase — AI understands how everything connects.
Chat with Code
Ask questions about your code, request changes and get explanations in natural language.
Tab Completion
AI predicts multi-line edits — accept entire code blocks with one keypress.
Smart Rewrite
Select any code and ask Cursor to improve, refactor or explain it.
Debug Assistant
Paste error messages and Cursor finds and fixes the cause.
Inline Editing
Edit code directly with natural language instructions.
Pricing
Hobby
- 2,000 completions
- 50 slow requests
- Basic AI models
- VS Code compatible
Pro
- Unlimited completions
- 500 fast requests
- Claude & GPT-4
- Advanced features
Business
- Centralised billing
- Admin dashboard
- Privacy mode
- Priority support
Pros & cons
What works
- Best AI code assistance available
- Full codebase context understanding
- Built on VS Code — familiar interface
- Tab completion is transformative
- Excellent for debugging
- Non-technical users can build with it
What to watch
- Subscription cost on top of AI model costs
- Privacy considerations for proprietary code
- Can suggest incorrect code confidently
- Requires good prompting for best results
How Cursor compares
| Feature | Cursor | GitHub Copilot | Replit AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codebase Context | Best-in-class | Good | Limited |
| Chat Interface | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
| IDE Base | VS Code | VS Code | Own IDE |
| Multi-file Edits | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
| Price | $20/mo | $10/mo | Free tier |
Best for
Reviewed: April 2026. Scores and pricing are checked periodically — see our methodology. Pricing can change after publication, so always confirm current plans on Cursor's site before buying.