Cursor vs Windsurf
An AI-native editor built for whole-repo agentic editing. · An agentic IDE with strong free tier and "flow" editing.
| Dimension | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $20/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | Free (hobby) tier with limits | Generous free tier |
| Primary use case | Agentic, repository-wide code editing | Agentic code editing with a generous free tier |
| API | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Self-hosting | No | No |
| Agent capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, windows, macos, linux | web, windows, macos, linux |
| Integrations | VS Code extensions, GitHub, GitLab, API | GitHub, GitLab, VS Code extensions |
| Pros | Best-in-class agentic editing; Whole-repo context; Fast iteration; Privacy mode available | Strong free tier; Multi-model support; Agentic Cascade flow |
| Cons | Costs add up with heavy use; Desktop-only (no mobile/web); Steeper learning curve | Younger product, faster churn; Desktop-only |
Which should you choose?
Cursor stands out for: best-in-class agentic editing. Windsurf stands out for: strong free tier. The right pick depends on your task, budget, and workflow — use the finder to see a transparent match score for your situation.
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