GitHub Copilot vs Cursor: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub Copilot and Cursor comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Best for you if:
- • AI pair programmer by GitHub
- • Code suggestions in your editor
Cursor
The AI code editor
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.9/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • AI-first code editor built on VS Code
- • GPT-4 and Claude integrated in your editor
| At a Glance |  GitHub Copilot |  Cursor |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 89/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAI Coding | IDE & Code EditorsAI Coding |
How GitHub Copilot and Cursor Compare
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Paid · 89/100 score
Cursor
The AI code editor
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cursor has a free tier. GitHub Copilot is paid only.
Go with: Cursor
Want the highest-rated option?
GitHub Copilot: 89/100. Cursor: 90/100.
Go with: Cursor
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cursor
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GitHub Copilot is paid. Cursor is freemium. Cursor lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cursor scores higher: 90/100 vs 89/100.
Key Takeaways
Cursor
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 89
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
GitHub Copilot
The Bottom Line
Cursor (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Copilot or Cursor better?
Cursor scores 90/100 in our evaluation. GitHub Copilot is paid and Cursor is freemium.
What are GitHub Copilot and Cursor used for?
GitHub Copilot: AI pair programmer that suggests code. Cursor: The AI code editor.
What does GitHub Copilot cost vs Cursor?
GitHub Copilot is a paid tool. Cursor is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.