Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf
Bottom line: pick Cursor if professional developers who want a full ai-native ide with strong multi-file agentic editing and model choice.; GitHub Copilot if developers and teams already living in github and mainstream ides who want trusted inline completions plus chat.; Windsurf if developers wanting an ai-native ide with tightly integrated agentic flows and a generous free tier..
| Tagline | The AI-first code editor built for working at the speed of thought | AI pair programmer that autocompletes code and chats inside your editor | Agentic IDE with Cascade flows that keep you and the AI in sync |
| Pricing | Free Hobby tier; Pro ~$20/user/mo; Business ~$40/user/mo | Free tier with limited completions; Pro from ~$10/user/mo; Business ~$19/user/mo; Enterprise ~$39/user/mo | Free tier; Pro from ~$15/user/mo; Teams/Enterprise tiers above |
| Free tier | |||
| Best for | Professional developers who want a full AI-native IDE with strong multi-file agentic editing and model choice. | Developers and teams already living in GitHub and mainstream IDEs who want trusted inline completions plus chat. | Developers wanting an AI-native IDE with tightly integrated agentic flows and a generous free tier. |
| Not for | Developers unwilling to switch away from their current editor or who only need lightweight inline suggestions. | Teams wanting a fully agentic, repo-rewriting IDE rather than an assistant layered onto their existing editor. | Teams that prefer to keep their existing editor and just bolt on completions. |
| Visit Cursor | Visit GitHub Copilot | Visit Windsurf |
Frequently asked questions
- Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf — which is best?
- It depends on fit: Cursor — Professional developers who want a full AI-native IDE with strong multi-file agentic editing and model choice.; GitHub Copilot — Developers and teams already living in GitHub and mainstream IDEs who want trusted inline completions plus chat.; Windsurf — Developers wanting an AI-native IDE with tightly integrated agentic flows and a generous free tier..
- Which of Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or Windsurf is free?
- Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf offer a free tier.