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Cursor vs Windsurf: Which Coding Agents Is Better in 2026?

Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.

Rating
Reviews
0
From
$20/mo

in Coding Agents

Leads 2/9
Rating
Reviews
0
From
$15/mo

in Coding Agents

The Short Answer

Cursor vs Windsurf, in 15 seconds

Choose Cursor if…

  • You want deeper AI and automation features

Choose Windsurf if…

  • You have strict security & compliance needs

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Cursor and Windsurf score

Windsurf leads on 2 of 9 measured dimensions.

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Cursor
    No reviews
    Windsurf
    No reviews
  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Cursor
    0
    Windsurf
    0
  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Cursor
    $20/mo
    Windsurf
    $15/mo
  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Cursor
    Free plan + trial
    Windsurf
    Free plan + trial
  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Cursor
    4
    Windsurf
    4
  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Cursor
    6
    Windsurf
    6
  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Cursor
    Cursor
    1
    Windsurf
  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Windsurf
    Cursor
    2
    Windsurf
    3
  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Windsurf
    Cursor
    4
    Windsurf
    7

Feature Comparison

Cursor vs Windsurf feature breakdown

Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.

Cursor
Windsurf
Overview
User rating
Pricing model
FREEMIUM
FREEMIUM
Starting price
$20/mo
$15/mo
Free version
Free trial
Features
Key capabilities
Agentic multi-file editsPredictive autocompleteCodebase chatNatural-language inline editTerminal command generationBug detection
Cascade agentic editsCode completionCodebase context retrievalCommand executionLive previewSelf-hosted deployment
AI features
Predictive autocomplete
Integrations & API
Integrations
GitHubGitLabVS Code extensionsModel Context Protocol (MCP)
GitHubModel Context Protocol (MCP)JetBrains IDEsVS Code extensions
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
Desktop
DesktopCloudSelf-hosted
Platforms
macOSWindowsLinux
macOSWindowsLinuxJetBrains
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2 Type IIGDPR
SOC 2 Type IIGDPRHIPAA
Vendor
Company
Verified
Founded
2022
2021
Headquarters
San Francisco, California, USA
Mountain View, California, USA

Pricing Comparison

Cursor vs Windsurf pricing

Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.

Cursor

$20/mo to start
HobbyFree
  • Limited agent requests
  • Limited Tab completions
  • Pro two-week trial
Pro$20/month
  • Extended agent usage
  • Unlimited Tab completions
  • Access to frontier models
  • Background agents
Business$40/month
  • Everything in Pro
  • Centralized team billing
  • Admin dashboard & usage analytics
  • Enforced privacy mode

Windsurf

$15/mo to start
FreeFree
  • Limited prompt credits
  • Cascade agent access
  • Unlimited fast autocomplete
Pro$15/month
  • Expanded prompt credits
  • Access to premium models
  • Priority performance
Teams$30/month
  • Everything in Pro
  • Admin dashboard & analytics
  • Centralized billing
  • SSO
EnterpriseCustom
  • Self-hosted / hybrid deployment
  • RBAC and audit logs
  • Dedicated support

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planCursor Windsurf
Free trial to evaluateCursor Windsurf
Transparent published pricingCursor Windsurf
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Cursor Windsurf

Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

Cursor vs Windsurf: strengths and trade-offs

Cursor

Pros

  • Free plan available
  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR
  • Stronger AI / automation features

Cons

  • Higher starting price ($20/mo)

Windsurf

Pros

  • Free plan available
  • Free trial offered
  • Lower starting price ($15/mo)
  • Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA

Cons

    Buyer Fit

    Who should use Cursor vs Windsurf?

    Startups

    Either

    Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.

    Small businesses

    Either

    Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.

    Agencies

    Either

    Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.

    Enterprises

    Windsurf

    Windsurf leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.

    Ecommerce

    Cursor

    Cursor integrates with more of the commerce stack.

    SaaS companies

    Cursor

    Cursor is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.

    Integration overlap

    Shared integrations (3)

    GitHubVS Code extensionsModel Context Protocol (MCP)

    Only in Cursor (1)

    GitLab

    Only in Windsurf (1)

    JetBrains IDEs

    Keep Exploring

    Other alternatives worth considering

    Similar coding agents products buyers compare alongside Cursor and Windsurf.

    Ask SIA which solution fits your business

    SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Cursor and Windsurf against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.

    Get a personalised recommendation

    Cursor vs Windsurf — Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Cursor and Windsurf?

    Cursor and Windsurf are both Coding Agents solutions. Cursor is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Windsurf is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

    Which is better, Cursor or Windsurf?

    Based on user ratings, Cursor scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.

    Which is cheaper, Cursor or Windsurf?

    Windsurf is the more affordable option, starting at $15/month.

    Does Cursor or Windsurf have a free plan?

    Cursor offers a free plan. does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.

    Can I switch from Cursor to Windsurf?

    Switching between Cursor and Windsurf is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

    Who should use Cursor vs Windsurf?

    Cursor is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Windsurf works well for teams looking to start free and scale.

    Our Verdict

    The bottom line on Cursor vs Windsurf

    Best Overall

    Either

    It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.

    Best for Startups

    Either

    It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.

    Best for Enterprise

    Windsurf

    Windsurf leads on compliance and feature breadth.

    Best Value

    Either

    It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.

    Best AI Features

    Cursor

    Cursor ships more AI and automation.

    Highest Rated

    Either

    Both earn equal user ratings.

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