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

Quick overview:

Cursor: Perfect for experienced developers using VS code, where advanced AI is useful for serious projects. Windsurf: Good for beginners, solo builders, or anyone wanting a lightweight AI IDE without a setup. Conclusion: The cursor provides you with control. Windsurf will move you faster.

AI Coding Assistant has become a part of the daily workflows of developers and small teams because of its novelty. The two names that will continue to appear in 2025 are Windsurf and Cursor. If which actually helps you write better code, finish the project faster and get out of the way, you are in the right place.

Deciding the Cursor and Windsurf depends on your goals, experience level, and project needs. Both are powerful AI coding tools, but they serve different users and use cases. Below is a breakdown of key factors that will help you figure out which one is best for you.

This is not fluff. We looked into the performance of both tools, how they think, and what it is like to use them. This is what we found.

Windsurf and Cursor: What are they?

Just two weeks ago, Openai bought Windsurf for $3 billion. This is still the biggest deal. That alone tells a lot about how seriously you bet on the AI ​​native development environment.

Windsurf, formerly known as Codeium, takes a slightly different approach. A complete IDE that integrates AI throughout your workflow. We will introduce things like “Cascade” and “SuperComplete”. This is intended to reduce context switching and make development smoother. Windsurf is not a piggyback with VS code. I’m trying to rethink my IDE from scratch.

What they offer (and stand out)

Windsor Windsurf Code Copilot++ Features with Multi-Line Prediction Super Cursor Windsurf Code Copilot++ Smart AutoComplete AI Support Agent Mode Cascade Automation Multi-Step Coding Task Prompt Support CTRL+K VS Code (very familiar) Custom UI designed at the start of $15/month

The cursor is tilted towards deeper integrations for developers who already live in VS code. Windsurf offers a fresh experience built around developer thinking, with fewer tabs and distractions.

User Experience

Cursor is designed to be familiar, especially if you are familiar with VS code. Setup is easy – download, install, and import VS code extensions, themes and key bindings with just one click.

When using VS code, the cursor feels like home. You don’t need to learn anything new. The commands are intuitive, and the AI ​​is not overwhelming. It’s more of a co-pilot than a boss. Beginners may find an intimidating interface at first, especially using features such as composer, agents, terminal commands, etc., but there is no sudden learning curve for basic tasks such as writing and editing code

It feels like Windsurf is using a new app, but it does not cause any trouble and is useful. The big attraction is the flow. Stay in one place, enter nature commands, get context-conscious help without jumping between tabs or copying snippets between files.

“Windsurf helped me spin up the prototype while using my Chromebook. There’s zero setup.”

For small teams and solo founders, the difference is important. If it is already embedded in the world of VS code, the cursor will play better. Windsurf may feel like a cleaner slate, especially if you’re starting out with something fresh.

“The agent mode of the cursor blew me away. I rewrite three files at one prompt.”

1. Ease of use

cursor

Pros: People who have used VS code are familiar with it. One-click extensions and theme import. AI AutoComplete and Multi-Files Support helps experienced developers move faster. Cons: You need a local setup and ample hardware. Some learning curves with features like .cursorrules. Best: A comfortable developer for IDEs that require AI support without changing how developers work.

Windsurf

Pros: Clean interface with shallow learning curve. Perfect for new developers or those looking for an intuitive experience. There are no extensions to manage. Cons: slightly less control compared to VS code-based editors. Some features are still evolving. Best: Those looking for simplicity and focus without sacrificing AI-driven help.

Winner: Windsurf for ease and approach. A cursor for developers who already use VS code and want to keep their workflows intact.

2. AI and productivity features

cursor

AutoComplete: Provides high-speed, multi-line suggestions via Copilot++. Composer: Enables editing of the entire codebase, including smart refactoring between files. Agent Mode: Requires proper context, but can automatically perform tasks using plain prompts. Weakness: If the context is unknown, you can overreach or remove the code.

Windsurf

SuperComplete: ContextAware AutoComplete that adapts based on file and cursor positioning. Cascade: Automate multi-step editing and enter it in context if necessary. Command Mode: Accepts plain language tasks (e.g. “Add login page”) and accepts Acts. Weakness: Not so accurate with a large or highly customized codebase.

Winner: Power users and large project cursors. Windsurf for smooth, low-friction workflows.

3. Collaboration and development

cursor

Collaboration: There are no built-in tools for real-time coding or team-based workflows. Deployment: Rely on third-party platforms such as Vercel and Netlify.

Windsurf

Collaboration: Not real-time, but easy to access through simplified workflows. Deployment: Still limited – more for development than hosting.

Winner: While neither tool focuses on collaboration, Windsurf is easier to share and easier to put together with others.

How they work

Cursors are good at generating code, assisting in fixing bugs, and taking on the entire task via agent mode. The results are usually accurate, but some developers say they feel a little enthusiastic and sometimes they are trying to write more than they should.

I feel that Windsurf is more measured. Cascade and flow grips the multi-step tasks strongly. You can ask them to “add authentication to this app” and they actually do that with the appropriate file. Some people say they need a little more Polish, but it’s already solid for daily use.

Price breakdown

Cursors start at $20 a month per seat. Windsurf is $15 a month and has a free tier, making it more accessible to side projects and teams who are just starting out. That small gap is especially important when you’re testing things or running on a tight budget.

If your team already lives in VS Code and wants to recharge productivity without leaving the familiar ground, the cursor is a powerful choice. It’s more powerful than it looks and works with tools you already use.

If you’re a founder or developer, you’re looking for an IDE with AI built from the ground up, and if you want to spend time fiddling around with tabs or manage extensions, Windsurf might feel like a breath of fresh air.

Both are impressive. The cursor is more mature in some respects, but Windsurf is lighter, cleaner and surprisingly capable.

A better choice? It depends on your project, your habits, and what you cherish more: a deep integrated or streamlined experience.

Which should I choose?

To select a cursor:

You are an experienced developer using VS code

Requires precision, deep codebase editing, and multi-file workflow

Don’t worry about local setup and managing extensions

Please select Windsurf.

You’re just starting out or need a minimal setup

You prefer a cleaner, less distracting IDE

Building solo projects and early prototypes

Final Verdict

If you’re already working with VS code and want something smarter than you’re not in the way, then cursors may be your best bet. Flexible, powerful and ideal for serious code base scaling.

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

Both tools are solid. The cursor gives you more control and firepower. Windsurf will move you faster.

Choose the one that suits the way you want to build.

Want to choose? Tell us your projects and goals – how do you build a startup, code code, or scale your app?