Cursor vs Windsurf: Which AI Code Editor is Better?
I’ve been comparing both for the past few weeks. Here’s what I learned.
Code Quality
Both editors leverage advanced models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and others, resulting in similar raw code output. The real difference? How they handle project context. With AI coding tools, the results depend less on the model and more on how well the tool understands your project.
Context Handling
Windsurf:
- Cascade automatically tracks context across multiple files, requiring fewer manual adjustments.
- Flows make refactoring, renaming, and restructuring seamless.
- Now includes web search for better documentation support.
Cursor:
- Uses Composer agent mode to handle multi-file edits but needs more manual input.
- Diff-based tracking and user-defined rules give precise control.
- Documentation search is solid for complex workflows.
Verdict: Windsurf’s agentic capabilities handle project-wide changes seamlessly, whereas Cursor sometimes struggles and may accidentally delete previously written code.
Capabilities
Windsurf:
- Cascade and Flows enable deep multi-file awareness.
- Real-time collaboration and autonomous code management.
- Reduces reliance on manual terminal commands.
Cursor:
- Built on VS Code, making it a natural fit for existing VS Code users.
- Excels at code completion, debugging, and documentation.
- Better suited for UI development but has occasional reliability issues like timeouts and unintended code deletion.
Verdict: Windsurf is better for large-scale refactoring and automation, while Cursor is ideal for UI-focused development and individual coding tasks.
User Experience
Windsurf:
- Clean, minimal UI that feels intuitive and streamlined.
- AI is deeply integrated and requires fewer manual interventions.
- Less cluttered but lacks deep customization.
Cursor:
- Familiar VS Code interface, making it easier for existing users.
- Strong Git integration, commit automation, and linting tools.
- Feature-rich but can feel cluttered with long sessions.
Verdict: Windsurf provides a smoother, distraction-free experience, while Cursor offers deep customization and more tooling.
Pricing
Windsurf:
- $15/month for 500 fast requests and premium AI models.
- Free tier available but has limitations.
- Some past resource exhaustion issues, but performance has improved.
Cursor:
- $20/month with unlimited completions and premium models.
- Pricing is simpler and more stable.
Verdict: Windsurf is a great option for budget-conscious developers, while Cursor’s unlimited plan makes it a strong competitor.
Final Verdict
Both editors are solid choices. If you stick with either one long enough and have a clear plan, you’ll be able to build your MVP efficiently. The key is understanding your concepts and structuring your development process properly.
Previously, when Windsurf didn’t have internet access, Cursor had the upper hand. However, now that both have internet capabilities, they are on equal footing. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference and workflow compatibility.
Appreciating How Far AI Code Editors Have Come
Whatever tool you choose, we have to appreciate how much AI code editors have improved the developer experience. These tools have made complex tasks faster, streamlined workflows, and eliminated tedious manual work. It’s amazing to see how Windsurf and Cursor are constantly evolving to make development easier, and I appreciate the effort that goes into improving them every day.