Overview
Cursor and Windsurf are both AI Coding tools, but they take different approaches. Cursor: An AI-first code editor built for pair-programming with AI. Windsurf: AI-powered code editor with agentic coding workflows.
Both start at $20 per month on a monthly-billing basis. Both offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Platform support also differs. Cursor: Windows, macOS, Linux · Windsurf: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Which one fits depends on your workflow and budget. The table below lines up the verified facts, and the interactive comparison lets you put Cursor, Windsurf, and any other tool side by side.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cursor | Windsurf | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $20/month | $20/month |
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Pricing Type | Freemium | Freemium |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Web | No | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| API | No | No |
| Categories | AI Coding | AI Coding |
At a glance
Choose Cursor if…
- your use case matches: AI-first coding as your primary editor, Multi-file refactors, Agentic coding workflows
Choose Windsurf if…
- its focus matches what you're building — see the overview above
Alternatives worth considering
Other tools in the same category.
GitHub's AI pair programmer for code completion inside your editor.
Best for Autocomplete inside your existing editor
Cloud coding platform with an AI agent that can build and deploy apps.
AI tool that builds full web apps from a text description.
AI tool for building and deploying full-stack web apps in the browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Cursor or Windsurf?
They start at the same verified price: $20/month on a monthly-billing basis.
Do Cursor and Windsurf have free plans?
Yes — both offer a free plan you can start with.
Do Cursor and Windsurf offer free trials?
Neither lists a free trial.
Which is better, Cursor or Windsurf?
There's no single answer — it depends on your use case and budget. Compare the verified facts above, then open the interactive comparison to line Cursor and Windsurf up with any other tools you're considering.
Can I use Cursor and Windsurf together?
Yes — nothing stops you from using both, and many people combine tools for different tasks. Add Cursor and Windsurf to the AI stack builder to see what the combination costs per month.
What platforms do Cursor and Windsurf run on?
Cursor: Windows, macOS, Linux. Windsurf: Windows, macOS, Linux.
What are alternatives to Cursor and Windsurf?
Popular alternatives include GitHub Copilot, Replit, Lovable, Bolt, v0 — each has its own detail page on ToolScanner with verified pricing.
Where can I verify current pricing for Cursor and Windsurf?
On each official website — providers change prices and plans at any time. ToolScanner shows the monthly-billing price as of our last verification, with the date on each tool's page.