Cursor
EDITOR'S PICKby Anysphere๐ป CodingThe IDE built around AI from day one โ Composer agent edits entire codebases at once
Our take: The AI coding tool that replaced VS Code for many developers. Agent mode can edit multiple files at once. At $20/mo, it pays for itself in saved time within the first week. The free tier is enough to test it.
An AI-native code editor built on VS Code. The Composer feature lets you describe changes across multiple files in plain English, and background agents can work on tasks while you do something else. Supports Claude, GPT, and Gemini models.
Composer agent, multi-model, codebase-aware, background agents, Pro+ and Ultra tiers
Last updated: March 29, 2026 ยท Pricing verified from official sources. Prices are subject to change by the provider.
Pricing
Price stable
Free TierYes โ limited requests
Entry Plan$20/mo Pro
Team Plan$40/user/mo Business
EnterpriseCustom pricing
API PricingIncluded
See full API pricing & compare models โPrices exclude applicable taxes (VAT/GST/sales tax varies by region). Monthly prices shown โ annual plans typically save 15-20%.
Specifications
Context / InputFull codebase
Max OutputMulti-file edits
ModalitiesCode, docs
Agent / AgenticYes โ Composer, background agents
SecuritySOC 2, SSO
Self-hostedNo
AI Fit Score Benchmark Data
Performance indicators used in our Fit Score engine. Scores are normalised 0โ100 based on industry benchmarks and testing.
88
Reasoning
92
Code Quality
85
Speed
88
Ecosystem
Models & Tiers โ Which Cursor to Use?
Cursor uses 5 different models/tiers. Choose based on your task complexity, speed needs, and budget.
Claude Sonnet 4.6 (default)Recommended
GreatDaily coding, chat, multi-file edits
๐ฐ Included in Pro๐ Context: 200Kโก Speed: Fast
Claude Opus 4.6
BestComplex refactors, architecture decisions
๐ฐ 3x credit cost๐ Context: 200Kโก Speed: Slower
GPT-5.4
GreatTerminal tasks, computer use
๐ฐ Included in Pro๐ Context: 1Mโก Speed: Fast
Gemini 3.1 Pro
GreatLarge codebase analysis, budget
๐ฐ Included in Pro๐ Context: 1Mโก Speed: Medium
Custom API key
VariesUse any model via your own API key
๐ฐ BYOK๐ Context: Variesโก Speed: Varies
Cursor โ Who Is It Best For?
Multi-file editing, AI-native development
Ideal for:DevelopersFoundersFreelancers
โ
Strengths
โข Free tier available
โข Competitive pricing ($20/mo)
โข Full codebase context
โข Yes โ Composer, background agents
โข SOC 2, SSO certified
โข Composer agent
๐ญ Consider
โข Cloud-only (no self-hosting)
๐ก Budget tip: Start with Cursor's free tier to test it. Paid plans start at $20/mo. For a free alternative, check out GitHub Copilot.
Alternatives to Cursor
GitHub Copilot
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Free$10/mo
Windsurf
Cognition AI
Cognition's AI IDE with Cascade โ an agent that reads your codebase and makes changes proactively
Free$20/mo
Claude Code
Anthropic
Anthropic's coding agent that runs in your terminal โ works with any editor, thinks before it acts
Free$20/mo
Tabnine
Tabnine
The only AI code assistant you can run fully on-premise โ built for regulated industries
$39/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cursor cost?
Cursor offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $20/month. Team plans are $40/user/month. Enterprise pricing is available on request.
Is Cursor free?
Yes, Cursor offers a free tier with limited features. For full access, paid plans start at $20/month.
What is Cursor best for?
Cursor is best for Multi-file editing, AI-native development. Key features include: Composer agent, multi-model, codebase-aware, background agents, Pro+ and Ultra tiers.
Is Cursor right for you?
Get a personalised AI Fit Score based on your role, budget, team size, and priorities.
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AiToolsMentor.com ยท Pricing verified March 29, 2026 ยท AI Tools Mentor Fit Score