Head-to-Head Comparison
Cursor IDEvsWindsurf IDE
Compare Cursor IDE with Windsurf IDE to determine which tool better fits your AI development workflow.
Cursor IDE
AI IDE • Intermediate
AI-native code editor built on VS Code with GPT-4 and Claude integration for intelligent coding assistance. Core development environment taught in vibe coding retreats.
Learning Time
2 hours (VS Code users) to 2-3 weeks advanced
Popularity
94%
Top Advantages:
Full codebase understanding and context
Multi-file refactoring capabilities
Natural language to code generation
Windsurf IDE
AI IDE • Advanced
Agent-centric development environment with persistent AI collaboration and multi-file workflow automation
Learning Time
1-2 months to proficiency
Popularity
73%
Top Advantages:
Persistent AI agents with session memory
Cascade chat for project-wide changes
Automated workflow and CI generation
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Criteria | Cursor | Winner | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 94% | 73% | |
| Learning Curve | 2 hours (VS Code users) to 2-3 weeks advanced | 1-2 months to proficiency | |
| Pricing | Free Hobby, $20/month Pro, $40/user/month Teams | $15/month Pro, $30/month Teams, $60/month Enterprise | |
| Category | AI IDE | Different | AI IDE |
When to Choose Which Tool
Choose Cursor When:
- You want comprehensive AI-assisted development environment
- Your team prefers intermediate complexity tools
- Budget allows for: Free Hobby, $20/month Pro, $40/user/month Teams
Choose Windsurf When:
- You want comprehensive AI-assisted development environment
- Your team prefers advanced complexity tools
- Budget allows for: $15/month Pro, $30/month Teams, $60/month Enterprise
Bottom Line
Cursor has higher industry adoption (94% vs 73%), but Windsurf might be better for specific ai ide needs.
Compare both tools hands-on in our vibe coding retreats
Master Both Cursor & Windsurf
Experience both Cursor and Windsurf in our vibe coding retreats. Make an informed decision with hands-on comparison.
v0
UI Generation
Cursor
AI IDE
n8n
Workflow Automation
Claude Code
CLI Assistant
Prompt Engineering
Foundation Skill
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