Cursor vs Windsurf

Windsurf now ships as Devin Desktop, built on the Windsurf IDE. It is the most direct Cursor alternative on our list.

	Cursor	Windsurf
Our rank	#1 in Best for Vibe Coding	#4 in Best for Vibe Coding
Pricing	Free / $20+ mo	Free / paid
Our verdict	The default AI editor for a reason: best-in-class codebase context, background agents, and now an iOS app to steer them. Start here if you can read code.	Now shipping as Devin Desktop on the Windsurf IDE base. Solid Cursor alternative with a smooth agent flow; pick whichever feels faster to you.

Pick Cursor if…

You want the default AI editor with best-in-class codebase context and background agents.

You prefer its smooth agent flow, or it simply feels faster to you.

Cursor is our #1 pick. Windsurf is a solid alternative, so try both on a real task and keep whichever feels faster.

Pricing is a summary and vendors change it often, so check the official pricing pages before you buy.

Is Cursor or Windsurf better?

Cursor is our #1 pick. Windsurf is a solid alternative, so try both on a real task and keep whichever feels faster.

When should I choose Cursor?

Choose Cursor if you want the default AI editor with best-in-class codebase context and background agents.

When should I choose Windsurf?

Choose Windsurf if you prefer its smooth agent flow, or it simply feels faster to you.