Cursor vs Windsurf
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool for your business
Our Verdict: Cursor is more mature, Windsurf is catching up fast at a lower price
We've used both daily for months. Cursor's Composer and Agent mode are genuinely ahead — the multi-file editing feels like it understands your architecture, not just the file you're in. Windsurf's Cascade flow is impressive for a newer product and the $10/mo entry point makes it easy to trial. If you're already in Cursor, there's no reason to switch. If you're picking your first AI IDE and budget matters, Windsurf is a legitimate option that's shipping fast.
At a Glance
Cursor
Developers wanting the most capable AI-native coding experience
$20/mo (Pro) / $40/user/mo (Business)
intermediate
1-2 days
Windsurf
Developers wanting a capable AI IDE at a lower price point
$10/mo (Pro) / $60/user/mo (Team)
intermediate
1-2 days
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-file editing | Composer (advanced) | Cascade flow |
| Agent mode | Yes (autonomous) | Yes (Cascade) |
| Model selection | Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini | GPT-4o, Claude (limited) |
| Codebase indexing | Full project | Full project |
| Inline autocomplete | Excellent | Excellent (Codeium engine) |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $10/mo |
| Terminal integration | Yes | Yes |
Which to Choose by Use Case
Building a full feature from a spec
Agent mode handles multi-file implementation with better accuracy
Budget-conscious solo developer
Half the price of Cursor Pro with solid AI capabilities
Large refactoring across dozens of files
Composer's multi-file editing is more mature and reliable
Team new to AI-assisted coding
Cleaner UX and lower cost reduce adoption friction
Need Help Deciding?
We implement both options. Tell us your use case and we'll recommend the right fit — then set it up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate my VS Code setup to either of these?
Yes, both are VS Code forks. Extensions, themes, keybindings, and settings import directly. The switch takes minutes, not hours.
Is Windsurf good enough to replace Cursor?
For everyday coding with AI assist, yes. Where Cursor still pulls ahead is complex multi-file agent tasks and the breadth of model choices. If you mostly use inline completions and single-file chat, you won't notice much difference.
Which has better autocomplete?
Windsurf's autocomplete is powered by Codeium, which has years of refinement. Cursor's is excellent too. In practice, both feel snappy and accurate — autocomplete is not the differentiator between these two.
Do either of these work with JetBrains or Neovim?
No, both are standalone VS Code forks. If you need AI in JetBrains or Neovim, GitHub Copilot or Codeium's standalone extension are your options.
