Head to head

Cursor vs Windsurf

Cursor and Windsurf both work in AI Coding. Here is how they stack up on pricing, access, context and our editorial scores, and which one to pick.

Side by side

Tool
Cursorby Anysphere4.7Setuproll editorial score
Tool
Windsurfby Codeium3.7Setuproll editorial score
PricingPaidFree tier + Pro $20/mo
PricingFreemiumFree tier + Pro $15/mo
AccessIDE
AccessIDE
ContextModel-dependent, up to 200k
ContextModel-dependent
Open sourceNo
Open sourceNo
Best forFast inline editing all day
Best forAgentic flows inside a clean IDE
Setuproll score4.7
Setuproll score3.7

The verdict

Cursor edges ahead overall, with a 4.7 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for fast inline editing all day. Windsurf is the better pick when you want agentic flows inside a clean ide, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose Cursor as the default and reach for Windsurf when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cursor or Windsurf better?

Cursor holds a 4.7 Setuproll editorial score and is best for fast inline editing all day, while Windsurf holds a 3.7 and is best for agentic flows inside a clean ide. Pick Cursor for fast inline editing all day and Windsurf for agentic flows inside a clean ide.

What is the difference between Cursor and Windsurf?

Cursor is reached as IDE (paid) with Model-dependent, up to 200k, while Windsurf is reached as IDE (freemium) with Model-dependent. They overlap on AI Coding and AI Frontend but lead in different parts of the workflow.

Is Cursor cheaper than Windsurf?

Cursor is free tier + pro $20/mo, and Windsurf is free tier + pro $15/mo. Both have a path to start without a large upfront cost.

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