Head to head

Windsurf vs Cursor

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

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 Windsurf or Cursor better?

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

What is the difference between Windsurf and Cursor?

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

Is Windsurf cheaper than Cursor?

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

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