Tool A
Cursor
The AI code editor that knows your whole codebase
Tool B
Windsurf
AI agent-powered IDE for developers
Choose this if…
Cursor
- 1You need Image Input
- 2You need File Upload
- 3You need Plugins
- 4Community rates it higher (⭐4.7 vs 4.5)
Choose this if…
Windsurf
- 1You need API Access
- 2You need Memory
Overview
An AI-first code editor built on VS Code that understands your entire codebase for smarter completions and chat.
Supports GPT-4 and Claude models. Features codebase-aware chat, inline edits, and auto-debug.
Windsurf is an AI-native code editor built by Codeium that integrates an AI agent directly into the development environment. It helps developers write, refactor, and debug code while maintaining flow state with contextual AI assistance.
Developed by Codeium, Windsurf uses advanced code models and agentic capabilities to automate complex coding tasks and streamline development workflows.
Features Comparison
22 totalPricing & Plans
Free with limited completions
Pro $20/mo, Business $40/mo
Pros & Cons
Pros
Full codebase context awareness
Works with GPT-4 and Claude
Fastest AI coding workflow
Cons
Desktop only
No collaboration features yet
Pros
Deep IDE integration
Powerful agentic workflows
Context-aware suggestions
Cons
Resource intensive
Steep learning curve
Use Cases
The Verdict
Cursor
6/22 features · ⭐4.7
An AI-first code editor built on VS Code that understands your entire codebase for smarter completions and chat.…
Windsurf
5/22 features · ⭐4.5
Windsurf is an AI-native code editor built by Codeium that integrates an AI agent directly into the development environment. It helps developers write, refactor…
Both Cursor and Windsurf are capable AI tools serving distinct use cases. Cursor leads on raw feature breadth (6 vs 5), making it a stronger choice if you need maximum capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Cursor and Windsurf?
Cursor — "The AI code editor that knows your whole codebase" — focuses on code-ai, productivity-ai, while Windsurf — "AI agent-powered IDE for developers" — targets code-ai, agent-ai. The key differences lie in their feature sets and pricing models.
Is Cursor free to use?
Yes, Cursor offers a free tier. Free with limited completions
Is Windsurf free to use?
Yes, Windsurf offers a free tier. Free tier with limited AI completions
Which is better: Cursor or Windsurf?
It depends on your use case. Cursor is rated ⭐4.7 and is best suited for developers, teams. Windsurf is rated ⭐4.5 and is ideal for developers, teams. Use this comparison to evaluate features that matter to your workflow.
Does Cursor have an API?
Cursor does not currently offer a public API.
More AI Matchups
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