GitHub Copilot vs Cursor
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool for your business
Our Verdict: Cursor for full-codebase AI, Copilot for VS Code integration
GitHub Copilot is the safe choice — it integrates into your existing VS Code setup with excellent autocomplete. Cursor is the power choice — a VS Code fork with deeper AI integration including multi-file editing, codebase-aware chat, and agent mode that can autonomously implement features.
At a Glance
GitHub Copilot
Teams wanting AI assistance without changing their IDE
Free (limited) / $10/mo (Individual) / $19/user/mo (Business)
beginner
1 day
Cursor
Developers wanting deep AI-native coding experience
Free (limited) / $20/mo (Pro) / $40/user/mo (Business)
intermediate
1-2 days
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Inline autocomplete | Excellent | Excellent |
| Multi-file editing | Basic | Composer (advanced) |
| Agent mode | Copilot Workspace | Built-in |
| Codebase indexing | Limited | Full project indexing |
| Model selection | GPT-4o (Business tier) | Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini |
| IDE | Extension (any IDE) | Standalone (VS Code fork) |
Which to Choose by Use Case
Adding autocomplete to existing IDE setup
Plugin model means zero workflow disruption
Refactoring a large codebase
Full codebase indexing and multi-file Composer editing
Enterprise rollout across 100+ developers
GitHub ecosystem integration, compliance, and admin controls
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 use Cursor with my VS Code extensions?
Yes — Cursor is a VS Code fork, so most extensions work out of the box. You can import your settings, themes, and keybindings directly.
Which is better for team collaboration?
GitHub Copilot has deeper team features through GitHub (PR suggestions, code review). Cursor is more individual-developer focused but offers Business tier with team management.
