Cursor
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Cursor is an AI-native code editor built as a fork of VS Code. Instead of adding AI as an extension, Cursor rebuilds the editor with AI deeply integrated at every layer. The core differentiator is full codebase awareness - Cursor reads your entire project to answer questions and make changes across multiple files simultaneously.
Key Features
Tab Completion
Predictive multi-line autocomplete that goes beyond single-line suggestions - predicts entire code blocks based on what you're building. Uses Cursor's owncursor-small model for speed and cost efficiency.
AI Chat (Cmd+K)
In-editor chat with full codebase context. Ask "why does this function fail?" and it understands your whole project, not just the open file. Reference specific files with@filename.
Composer Mode
Large-scale multi-file refactoring. Point it at specific files with a prompt; it generates diffs across all of them for your review before applying. Controlled, non-autonomous - you approve every change.
Agent Mode (Cursor 2.0)
Autonomous multi-step task execution. The agent runs terminal commands, browses docs, tests and debugs - completing a full feature workflow with minimal prompting. Runs in a sandboxed environment.
Mission Control
Grid-view interface for managing multiple simultaneous agent workflows in parallel - like macOS Exposé but for AI coding tasks. Run several long-running agents at once and switch between them.
Rules
Project-specific AI behaviour rules (e.g., always use TypeScript strict mode, never use class components, follow this naming convention). Defined once, applied to every AI interaction in the project.
Model Support
Cursor supports multiple AI backends. Claude 3.5/3.7 Sonnet is the most widely used model for the best overall experience. You can switch per task:
- Claude 3.5/3.7 Sonnet - best overall coding results, most popular
- GPT-6 Astra, GPT-5.6 Terra - OpenAI models for alternative perspectives
- cursor-small - Cursor's own fast, cheap model for tab completion
Plans & Pricing (2026)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby | Free | Limited features, basic tab completion |
| Pro | $20/mo | ~225 fast requests/month (credit-based since June 2025) |
| Pro+ | $60/mo | Higher request volume |
| Ultra | $200/mo | Highest volume, priority access |
| Teams | $40/user/mo | Team management, shared billing, admin controls |
Credit system controversy - June 2025
Cursor controversially shifted from a fixed 500-request model to a credit-based system, reducing effective monthly requests at the $20 tier from ~500 to ~225. The CEO issued a public apology. Worth factoring into cost comparisons.
Cursor vs Alternatives
| Tool | Key difference |
|---|---|
| GitHub Copilot | Extension-based (stays in VS Code). Strong at inline suggestions, weaker at multi-file refactoring. $10/mo. |
| Cline | VS Code extension - no editor switch. Fully model-agnostic (any API including local). You pay API costs directly, no subscription. |
| Claude Code | Terminal-based, not an IDE. Fastest-growing dev tool in 2026 - 46% "most loved" by developers vs. Cursor at 19%. |
| Windsurf | Similar VS Code fork approach. Has Arena Mode (side-by-side model comparison) and Plan Mode. Free tier available. |