Are Cursor and Windsurf both based on VS Code?

Yes. Both are forks of VS Code, so most extensions, themes and keybindings carry over.

Which is better for beginners?

Windsurf tends to feel simpler at first; Cursor offers more control once you know what you want.

Can I try both for free?

Both list a free plan with limited AI usage, so you can test them on the same project before paying. Paid plans change often — see each official pricing page.

Do I need to know how to code?

It helps. Both are code editors aimed at developers; for no-code app building, look at Lovable or Bolt.new instead.

Cursor vs Windsurf

Cursor and Windsurf are both AI-first code editors built on VS Code. Each pairs inline autocomplete with an agent that can edit many files at once. Windsurf is now owned by Cognition, and its plans are sold as part of Devin, so check the official pricing pages before choosing.

Last checked: Oct 2026

Side by side

Attribute	Cursor	Windsurf
Category	Vibe coding	Vibe coding
Pricing	freemium See official pricing ↗	freemium See official pricing ↗
Best for	Developers who want fine-grained control over AI edits in a familiar VS Code setup.	Builders who prefer an agent that proactively tracks context and runs multi-step tasks.
Strengths	Tab completion built into the editor Agent mode with multi-file edits Choice of models from several providers Large community and docs	Cascade agent tracks project context Clean, approachable UI Free tier available Can run and iterate on terminal commands
Limitations	Free tier has limited AI usage; heavier use needs a paid plan Many settings to learn Agent changes still need careful review	Smaller ecosystem than Cursor Usage quotas can be hard to predict Now part of Cognition's Devin lineup, so plans and branding have changed
Website	Visit Cursor ↗	Visit Windsurf ↗

Last checked: Oct 2026. Pricing and features change often — check each official site. Disclosure.

Verdict

Choose Cursor

Pick Cursor if you already live in VS Code and want precise, reviewable AI edits with strong autocomplete.

Choose Windsurf

Pick Windsurf if you want a more hands-off agent experience and a gentler learning curve.

FAQ

Are Cursor and Windsurf both based on VS Code?: Yes. Both are forks of VS Code, so most extensions, themes and keybindings carry over.
Which is better for beginners?: Windsurf tends to feel simpler at first; Cursor offers more control once you know what you want.
Can I try both for free?: Both list a free plan with limited AI usage, so you can test them on the same project before paying. Paid plans change often — see each official pricing page.
Do I need to know how to code?: It helps. Both are code editors aimed at developers; for no-code app building, look at Lovable or Bolt.new instead.

More comparisons

Lovable vs Bolt.new Claude Code vs Cursor