Cursor
AI-native IDE built on VS Code with the best autocomplete, multi-model flexibility, and Background Agents that run tasks on cloud VMs in parallel.
The fastest-growing AI code editor in history. Best for developers who want agentic coding deeply integrated into a familiar VS Code environment with multi-model flexibility.
Cursor is the fastest-growing SaaS product in history, reaching $2B ARR in 18 months. It's a VS Code fork with AI embedded into every interaction, not bolted on as an extension. The Supermaven acquisition gave it the best autocomplete in the market, and Background Agents (cloud VMs running tasks in parallel) is a capability no competitor matches at the IDE level.
The trade-offs are real: heavy users report actual monthly spend of $40-50 due to premium request overages, code reversion bugs surfaced in early 2026, and the interface can feel cluttered with AI prompts. But for developers who want the most polished AI-native IDE experience, Cursor is the benchmark everyone else is chasing.
Multi-model flexibility means you can use Claude for reasoning, GPT for generation, and Gemini for fast iteration, all within the same editor. The Agent Client Protocol (ACP) is an open protocol enabling Cursor's agent to run inside other IDEs, signalling that Anysphere sees the agent, not the editor, as the product.
Spot something stale, broken, or unclear?
Send a correction or note. We review submissions privately before changing the page.
FITS YOUR WORKFLOW?
We map your development workflow, evaluate which AI coding tools fit your team size, stack, and security requirements, and give you a prioritised adoption plan.