Windsurf vs Cursor: Which AI coding tool is better for your project (and why)?

Quick Summary:

• Cursor: Best for experienced devs using VS Code who want advanced AI help with serious projects.
• Windsurf: Better for beginners, solo builders, or anyone who wants a lightweight AI IDE without setup.
• Bottom line: Cursor gives you control. Windsurf gets you moving faster.

AI coding assistants have gone from being a novelty to becoming part of daily workflows for developers and small teams. Two names that keep coming up in 2025 are Windsurf and Cursor. If you’re trying to figure out which one actually helps you write better code, finish your projects faster, and doesn’t get in your way, you’re in the right place.

Deciding between Cursor and Windsurf depends on your goals, experience level, and project needs. Both are strong AI coding tools, but they serve different users and use cases. Below is a breakdown of key factors—from ease of use to pricing—to help you figure out which one fits best.

This isn’t fluff. We looked at how both tools perform, how they think, and what it’s like to use them. Here’s what we found.

Windsurf and Cursor: What They Are

Just two weeks ago, OpenAI acquired Windsurf for $3 billion—its biggest deal yet. That alone says a lot about how seriously it’s betting on AI-native development environments.

Windsurf, previously known as Codeium, takes a slightly different approach. It’s a full IDE that integrates AI throughout your workflow. It introduces things like “Cascade” and “Supercomplete”—tools meant to reduce context switching and make development smoother. Windsurf isn’t piggybacking on VS Code. It’s trying to rethink the IDE from scratch.

What They Offer (And What Stands Out)

Cursor leans into a deeper integration for developers who already live in VS Code. Windsurf offers a fresh experience that’s built around how developers think, with fewer tabs and distractions.

The User Experience

Cursor is designed to be approachable, especially if you’re familiar with VS Code. The setup is straightforward—download, install, and it can import your VS Code extensions, themes, and keybindings with one click.

If you’ve used VS Code, Cursor feels like home. You don’t have to learn anything new. The commands are intuitive, and the AI doesn’t feel overbearing. It’s more of a co-pilot than a boss. Beginners might find the interface initially intimidating, especially with features like Composer, Agent, or terminal commands, but there’s no steep learning curve for basic tasks like writing or editing code

Windsurf feels more like using a new app, but one that’s trying to be helpful without being annoying. Its big appeal is the flow—you stay in one place, type natural commands, and get context-aware help without jumping between tabs or copying snippets across files.

“Windsurf helped me spin up a prototype while on a Chromebook. Zero setup.”

For small teams or solo founders, that difference matters. Cursor plays better if you’re already embedded in the VS Code world. Windsurf might feel like a cleaner slate, especially if you’re starting fresh.

“Cursor’s agent mode blew me away. It rewrote three files with one prompt.”

1. Ease of Use

Cursor

• Pros: Familiar to anyone who’s used VS Code. One-click extension and theme imports. AI autocomplete and multi-file support help experienced devs move faster.
• Cons: Requires local setup and enough hardware. Some learning curve with features like .cursorrules.
• Best for: Developers comfortable with IDEs who want AI support without changing how they work.

Windsurf

• Pros: Clean interface with a shallow learning curve. Great for newer developers or anyone looking for an intuitive experience. No extensions to manage.
• Cons: Slightly less control compared to VS Code-based editors. Some features are still evolving.
• Best for: Those looking for simplicity and focus without sacrificing AI-powered help.

Winner: Windsurf for ease and approachability. Cursor for developers who already use VS Code and want to keep their workflow intact.

2. AI and Productivity Features

Cursor

• Autocomplete: Offers fast, multi-line suggestions via Copilot++.
• Composer: Enables codebase-wide edits, including smart refactors across files.
• Agent Mode: Can execute tasks automatically using plain prompts, though it requires proper context.
• Weakness: Can overreach or delete code if the context is unclear.

Windsurf

• Supercomplete: Context-aware autocomplete that adapts based on file and cursor placement.
• Cascade: Automates multi-step edits and fills in context as needed.
• Command Mode: Accepts plain language tasks (e.g., “Add login page”), then acts.
• Weakness: Not as precise on large or highly customized codebases.

Winner: Cursor for power users and larger projects. Windsurf for smoother, low-friction workflows.

3. Collaboration and Deployment

Cursor

• Collaboration: No built-in tools for real-time coding or team-based workflows.
• Deployment: Relies on third-party platforms like Vercel or Netlify.

Windsurf

• Collaboration: Not real-time but more accessible via simplified workflows.
• Deployment: Still limited—meant more for development than hosting.

Winner: Neither tool focuses heavily on collaboration, but Windsurf is easier to share and simpler to onboard others with.

How They Perform

Cursor is good at generating code, helping with bug fixes, and taking on entire tasks through its agent mode. The results are usually accurate, though some developers say it can feel a little too eager, sometimes trying to write more than it should.

Windsurf feels more measured. Cascade and Flows give it a strong grip on multi-step tasks. You can ask it to “add authentication to this app,” and it’ll actually do it across the right files. Some folks say it needs a bit more polish, but it’s already solid for daily use.

Pricing Breakdown

Cursor starts at $20/month per seat. Windsurf is $15/month and has a free tier, which makes it more approachable for side projects or teams just getting started. That small gap matters, especially if you’re testing things out or running on a tight budget.

If your team already lives in VS Code and wants to supercharge productivity without leaving familiar ground, Cursor is a strong pick. It’s more powerful than it looks and works with the tools you’re already using.

If you’re a founder or dev looking for an IDE that’s built with AI from the ground up—and you want to spend less time fiddling with tabs or managing extensions—Windsurf might feel like a breath of fresh air.

Both are impressive. Cursor is more mature in some ways, while Windsurf feels lighter, cleaner, and surprisingly capable.

The better choice? Depends on your project, your habits, and what you value more: deep integration or a streamlined experience.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cursor if:

• You’re an experienced dev using VS Code

• You want precision, deep codebase edits, and multi-file workflows

• You don’t mind local setup and managing extensions

Choose Windsurf if:

• You’re just starting out or want minimal setup

• You prefer a cleaner, distraction-free IDE

• You’re building solo projects or early prototypes

Final Verdict

If you’re already working in VS Code and need something smarter that doesn’t get in your way, Cursor is likely your best bet. It’s flexible, powerful, and great for scaling serious codebases.

If you’re starting out, prefer a cleaner UI, or want to get things done with minimal setup, Windsurf will feel friendlier. It does a lot without asking much from you.

Both tools are solid. Cursor gives you more control and firepower. Windsurf gets you moving faster.

Pick the one that fits how and what you want to build.

Want help choosing? Tell us your project or goals—whether you’re building a startup, learning to code, or scaling an app—and we’ll help you figure out which tool to go with.