An in-depth comparison of two AI-first code editors that are reshaping how developers write software in 2026.
Cursor is an AI-first code editor built as a fork of Visual Studio Code. It provides deep AI integration through features like Cmd+K for inline code generation, a chat panel for multi-file context-aware conversations, and Composer mode for making changes across multiple files simultaneously. Cursor supports multiple AI models including Claude, GPT-4, and its own fine-tuned models, allowing developers to choose the best model for their task. Its codebase-aware indexing means the AI understands your entire project structure, enabling accurate suggestions that respect existing patterns and conventions. Cursor also supports importing VS Code extensions and settings, making migration straightforward for existing VS Code users.
Windsurf is an AI-powered IDE developed by Codeium that combines traditional code editing with an agentic AI assistant called Cascade. Cascade can autonomously plan and execute multi-step coding tasks, including reading files, writing code, running terminal commands, and browsing the web for documentation. Windsurf differentiates itself through its Flows feature, which blends collaborative and agentic AI capabilities so the developer can guide the AI or let it work autonomously. Built on a VS Code foundation, Windsurf supports the extensions ecosystem and offers real-time code suggestions powered by Codeium's proprietary models. It emphasizes a balance between AI autonomy and developer oversight, with clear visibility into what the AI is doing at each step.
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
AI Chat and Inline Editing Both offer powerful conversational AI for code editing with multi-file context | Cmd+K, Chat, Composer | Cascade with Flows | Tie |
Agentic Capabilities Windsurf's Cascade can autonomously execute multi-step tasks including terminal commands and web browsing | Composer mode | Cascade autonomous agent | Windsurf |
Model Selection Cursor offers more flexibility in choosing and switching between AI models | Claude, GPT-4, custom models | Codeium proprietary + Claude, GPT-4 | Cursor |
Codebase Understanding Both index your codebase for context-aware suggestions and conversation | Full project indexing | Contextual awareness | Tie |
Code Autocomplete Both provide high-quality autocomplete with multi-line prediction capabilities | Fast, multi-line predictions | Real-time suggestions with Codeium engine | Tie |
VS Code Compatibility Both are built on VS Code and support the extensions ecosystem | Fork of VS Code, full extension support | VS Code-based, extension support | Tie |
Terminal Integration Windsurf's Cascade can autonomously execute terminal commands as part of its workflow | Terminal with AI suggestions | Cascade can run terminal commands | Windsurf |
Privacy and Security Both offer enterprise-grade security features with privacy controls | Privacy mode, SOC 2 | On-premises option, enterprise security | Tie |
Windsurf offers a lower pro price at $15/month compared to Cursor's $20/month, and its free tier is notably more generous. However, Cursor's pro tier includes more model selection flexibility. For budget-conscious developers, Windsurf provides strong value. For those who want access to the most capable AI models, Cursor is the better choice.
Cursor and Windsurf are powerful tools for developers who write code. But if your goal is to ship a working application, Fabricate takes a different approach by generating the entire application for you. Describe what you want, and Fabricate builds, deploys, and hosts it.
Both are excellent AI code editors. Cursor offers more model flexibility and a mature Composer mode. Windsurf provides stronger agentic capabilities with Cascade and a more affordable price point. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize model selection (Cursor) or autonomous task execution (Windsurf).
Yes. Both editors are built on VS Code and support the extensions marketplace. You can import your existing settings and extensions from VS Code into either tool.
Windsurf offers a more generous free tier with Cascade credits and autocomplete usage. Cursor provides a 2-week pro trial followed by a limited free plan. For trying out AI-powered coding without commitment, Windsurf is more accessible.
Both require internet connectivity for AI features since they communicate with cloud-based AI models. Basic editing works offline, but autocomplete, chat, and agentic features need a connection.
Both offer enterprise plans with admin controls. Cursor has SOC 2 compliance and privacy mode. Windsurf offers on-premises deployment options. Evaluate based on your specific security and compliance requirements.
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