Cursor
AI code editor built on VS Code with next-edit completion, an agent for multi-file changes and cloud agents. Has a free Hobby plan.
License: Free tier
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Command line
Status: Verified
Cursor vs Visual Studio Code
Cursor and Visual Studio Code, one of its free alternatives, side by side.
Visual Studio Code
Best for a familiar editor with free AI add-ons
License: Open source- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Web
Status: Active
Side by side
| Fact | Cursor | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| License | License: Free tier | License: Open sourceMIT |
| Maintenance | Status: Verified | Status: Active |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Web | No | Yes |
| Command line | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No |
| Works offline | No | Yes |
| No account needed | No | Yes |
| Parity with Cursor | The reference | 58% |
License classes: Free tier and Open source. Status rules: Active means a commit in the last 90 days. See the methodology.
Feature parity with Cursor
How Visual Studio Code covers what people use Cursor for.
| Feature | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|
| Editing | |
| Tab completion that predicts your next edit | PartialNote 1Copilot Free gives inline completions capped at 2,000 a month |
| Agents | |
| Agent that edits several files and runs commands | PartialNote 2Agent mode in Copilot Free has limited use; the Cline extension adds an agent with your own keys |
| Cloud agents that work in the background | NoNote 3Copilot's cloud agent needs a paid plan |
| Context | |
| Codebase indexing and context | PartialNote 4Workspace context works in Copilot chat; indexing is less thorough |
| Models | |
| Choice of several AI models | YesNote 5Cline and other extensions connect to any provider with your own key |
| Customization | |
| MCP servers and project rules | YesNote 6MCP servers and custom instruction files are supported |
| Parity score | 58% |
- Visual Studio Code, Tab completion that predicts your next edit: Copilot Free gives inline completions capped at 2,000 a month
- Visual Studio Code, Agent that edits several files and runs commands: Agent mode in Copilot Free has limited use; the Cline extension adds an agent with your own keys
- Visual Studio Code, Cloud agents that work in the background: Copilot's cloud agent needs a paid plan
- Visual Studio Code, Codebase indexing and context: Workspace context works in Copilot chat; indexing is less thorough
- Visual Studio Code, Choice of several AI models: Cline and other extensions connect to any provider with your own key
- Visual Studio Code, MCP servers and project rules: MCP servers and custom instruction files are supported