Skip to content

Tools · Comparison

Claude Code vs Cursor vs Windsurf

All three are code assistant tools. Here is what separates them.

Claude CodeCursorWindsurf
What it isAnthropic’s terminal-based coding agent: it reads the repository, edits files, runs tests and commits.AI-first code editor built for speed with intelligent auto-completion and codebase understanding.An AI-first editor whose agent keeps track of what you are doing across files as you work.
CategoryCode AssistantCode AssistantCode Assistant
PricingPaid · Included with Claude Pro $20/mo · Max from $100/moFreemium · $20/moFreemium · Free · Pro $15/mo · Teams $30/user/mo
How it billsBundledFlat monthlyPer seat
Free tierNoYesYes
RatingNot yet rated4.8 from 4,500 reviewsNot yet rated
Features
  • Multi-file edits across a repository
  • Runs tests and iterates on failures
  • Git-aware, can commit and open pull requests
  • CLI, desktop, web and IDE extensions
  • Extensible with MCP servers and custom skills
  • AI-native editor
  • Codebase understanding
  • Multi-file editing (Composer)
  • Inline generation (Cmd+K)
  • Multiple AI models
  • Tab completion
  • Bug detection
  • Natural language editing
  • Cascade agent for multi-file changes
  • Project-wide context tracking
  • Runs terminal commands and reads output
  • VS Code extension compatibility
  • Inline and full-file completions
What works
  • Handles whole tasks rather than single lines
  • Strong at understanding an unfamiliar codebase
  • Works with any editor because it lives in the terminal
  • Best AI code editor
  • Understands full codebase
  • VS Code compatibility
  • Multiple model support
  • Incredibly fast
  • Familiar if you already use VS Code
  • Generous free tier
  • Agent keeps context without being told
What does not
  • Requires a paid Claude plan
  • Reviewing large diffs takes discipline
  • Token cost adds up on big repositories
  • Subscription required for full features
  • Can be resource-intensive
  • Newer with some bugs
  • Limited free completions
  • Another editor to keep updated
  • Occasional runaway edits need reverting
  • Heavier on memory than plain VS Code
Visit Claude CodeVisit CursorVisit WindsurfCompare more tools