Cursor vs Windsurf (2026)
Two AI-native code editors battling to replace VS Code. Which one makes you faster?
⚡ Quick Verdict
Choose Cursor for mature multi-file editing and the largest AI coding community.
Choose Windsurf for agentic workflows that handle entire features autonomously.
Cursor is more refined today. Windsurf is more ambitious about autonomous coding.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-File Editing | ★ Composer (excellent) | Cascade (very good) |
| Autonomous Agents | Limited | ★ Cascade Agents |
| Codebase Understanding | ★ Deep indexing | Good |
| VS Code Compatibility | ★ Full fork | ★ Full fork |
| Model Selection | ★ GPT-4, Claude, custom | Claude-focused |
| Inline Completions | ★ Tab (excellent) | Good |
| Community & Docs | ★ Large, active | Growing |
| Free Tier | 2 weeks trial | ★ Generous free tier |
| Pro Price | $20/mo | ★ $15/mo |
Multi-File Editing
Cursor's Composer is the gold standard for multi-file AI edits. Describe a refactor — "move this component to its own file and update all imports" — and it generates changes across your codebase that you can review and apply. The diff view is clean, and the changes are usually correct.
Windsurf's Cascade does similar work but feels less polished. It's capable of impressive multi-file changes, but the hit rate on "correct the first time" is slightly lower than Cursor. It's catching up fast.
Autonomous Agents
Windsurf is betting big on agents. Their Cascade agent can take a feature description and work through it step by step — reading code, planning changes, implementing, testing. It's genuinely impressive when it works, handling entire features with minimal intervention.
Cursor is more focused on human-in-the-loop workflows. You describe, it generates, you review. For developers who want control, this is actually preferable. For those who want to hand off more, Windsurf's approach is more ambitious.
Daily Coding Experience
Cursor feels more refined for everyday use. Tab completions are snappy and usually right. The Cmd+K inline editing is intuitive. The chat understands your codebase well. Everything just works with minimal friction.
Windsurf is good but occasionally rougher around the edges. Some workflows require an extra step. The UX isn't quite as tight. For a newer product, this is expected — and they're iterating fast.
Model Flexibility
Cursor gives you options: GPT-4, Claude, or bring your own API key. Want to use the latest Claude Opus for complex reasoning and fast completions from GPT-3.5? You can. This flexibility matters for power users.
Windsurf is more opinionated — Claude-focused, less model-swapping. If you trust their model choices (and Claude is excellent for code), this is fine. If you want control, Cursor offers more.
The Bottom Line
- Developers who want control: Cursor (refined, predictable)
- Developers who want autonomous agents: Windsurf (more ambitious)
- VS Code veterans: Either (both are VS Code forks)
- Model flexibility: Cursor (GPT-4, Claude, custom)
- Budget-conscious: Windsurf ($15/mo vs $20/mo)
- Best community/support: Cursor (larger, more established)
Try Both on a Real Project
Both have free access. Import the same repo and compare how they handle your actual code.