Windsurf vs Cursor: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Windsurf 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:
Windsurf
The AI-native code editor
Best for you if:
- • An AI-native IDE with an agentic AI (Cascade) for deep codebase understanding and real-time assistance.
- • Offers generative code, live previews, and intelligent refactoring to streamline development workflows.
Cursor
The AI code editor
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • AI-first code editor built on VS Code
- • GPT-4 and Claude integrated in your editor
| At a Glance |  Windsurf |  Cursor |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Windsurf | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsCode Review | IDE & Code EditorsAI Coding |
How Windsurf and Cursor Compare
Windsurf
The AI-native code editor
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Cursor
The AI code editor
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Windsurf
Want the highest-rated option?
Windsurf: 85/100. 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
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 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Cursor
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Windsurf
The Bottom Line
Cursor (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windsurf or Cursor better?
Cursor scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Windsurf and Cursor used for?
Windsurf: The AI-native code editor. Cursor: The AI code editor.
What does Windsurf cost vs Cursor?
Windsurf is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Cursor is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.