Skip to content
AIRadar

Cursor vs Windsurf (2026)

Cursor or Windsurf — which one wins? We break down features, pricing, and user ratings so you can decide in minutes.

Cursor logoCursorNo reviews
VS
Windsurf logoWindsurfNo reviews

Quick Verdict

Both tools are similarly rated.

Both tools are free to use.

Cursor

Windsurf

Rating

—No reviews
—No reviews

Pricing

freemiumFree
freemiumFree

Best For

AI code completionCodebase chatMulti-file editing
Cascade agent for multi-step task executionReal-time codebase indexing and memory managementMCP support for custom tool and service integration

Key Features

  • AI code completion
  • Codebase chat
  • Multi-file editing
  • Bug detection
  • Terminal AI
  • Cascade agent for multi-step task execution
  • Real-time codebase indexing and memory management
  • MCP support for custom tool and service integration
  • Windsurf Tab for predictive, context-aware code completion
  • Drag-and-drop image support for UI design generation
  • Native integration for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs

Pros

  • + Best AI coding experience
  • + VS Code based
  • + Fast completions
  • + Understands full codebase
  • + Cascade agent handles complex, multi-file agentic workflows autonomously
  • + Includes native support for MCP servers to extend agent capabilities
  • + Proactive linter error detection and automatic fixing
  • + Provides immediate web previews for rapid prototyping

Cons

  • Can be slow on large projects
  • Subscription for full features
  • Privacy concerns
  • Prompt credit system limits usage even on the paid Pro tier
  • Advanced agentic features can become unpredictable on large, unindexed codebases
  • The most powerful agent model (SWE-1.5) requires specific credit allocation
Cursor logo

Cursor

AI-powered code editor

Get started with Cursor Full Review
Windsurf logo

Windsurf

AI-native code editor with agentic Cascade flows

Get started with Windsurf Full Review

Cursor vs Windsurf — Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cursor if you value best ai coding experience. and want a free option Rated 0/5 by 0 users.

Choose Windsurf if you value cascade agent handles complex, multi-file agentic workflows autonomously. and want a free option Rated 0/5 by 0 users.

Both tools are popular in the coding space. The best choice depends on your workflow and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cursor or Windsurf better?+
Both Cursor and Windsurf are similarly rated. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and workflow preferences.
Is Cursor or Windsurf cheaper?+
Cursor and Windsurf have similar pricing. Both start around $0/mo.
Can I switch from Cursor to Windsurf?+
Yes, switching from Cursor to Windsurf is possible. Both are coding tools with similar capabilities. Review the feature comparison above to understand what you'll gain and lose.