Windsurf or Cursor? A Detailed Breakdown of AI Code Editors That Actually Work

POLL: Which editor do you prefer?

Vote to see results!

Code editors are like a&&holes: everyone has one, and they all do the same thing.

But as we all know--some are more efficient than others.

super awkward...

Anywho, Cursor & Windsurf are the two AI code editors making waves right now (get it??). And since I've used both extensively to pump out mediocre code, I'd say that makes me an expert.

Detailed Comparison: Windsurf vs Cursor:

Let's examine each aspect, one by one.

Price

The cost of using the editor, including any subscription tiers or free options.

Cursor

$20/mo

Windsurf

$10/mo

Windsurf

Setup Process

The ease and steps involved in setting up the editor, including installation and configuration (and migration!).

Cursor

Stupid easy

Windsurf

Stupid easy, includes 'Import from Cursor' now

Tie

UI/UX

The design, layout, and user experience of the editor's interface.

Cursor

Fine once you get used to it. Chat & Composer are SEPARATE, and I don't like the design of composer (no border for the pane).

Windsurf

Simple! Less things to think about/worry about.

Windsurf

Understanding Codebase Context

How well the editor's AI understands the structure and context of your entire codebase.

Cursor

Works well I think--but one NEEDS to specific files/folders a lot of times.

Windsurf

Less consistent, but tends to "automatically" search for files/folders it needs. I ***think*** it tends to have better "deep context".

Tie

Overall Code Quality

The reliability and correctness of the AI's suggestions and outputs. NOTE: Much of this depends on the AI models being used, as well as your programming language.

Cursor

Best in class across any editor I've used.

Windsurf

MOSTLY great--but the 'tab/prediction/supercomplete' code is almost never what I want. The Cascade agent is much better.

Cursor

AI Agent

The 'code for you' feature that takes prompts, analyzes, and implements changes. Called 'Cascade' in Windsurf, and 'Composer' in Cursor.

Cursor

Composer works well, and the '@ context' is more robust (image, URL, etc). But the UI/UX is annoying, and it seems less intuitive overall. It's also faster than Windsurf, for sure (not necessarily a good thing).

Windsurf

Cascade is a bit slower, but is "more careful" and more accurate--especially on "larger chunks" of code. It also defaults to a "deep context" (searches for files/folders).

Windsurf

Autocomplete, Tab, Prediction, Supercomplete

Code completions, tab completion, and AI predictions for what you're going to code next.

Cursor

Really, really, really good. Intuitive, multi-line works well, and it's HYPER fast.

Windsurf

The predictions are straight-up bad most of the time. Other times, it just won't do anything.

Cursor

Overall Feel

My subjective experience of using the editor, including responsiveness, accuracy, engagement.

Cursor

The 'chat and AI agent' in Composer is super clunky, but manual coding + autocomplete feels amazing. Also, definitely more BUGGY.

Windsurf

The chat & agent AI feel REALLY good, but working with tab/autocomplete does more harm than good.

Tie. Windsurf for chat/agent, Composer for autocomplete.

Understanding New Frameworks or Changes

How well do the AIs understand new frameworks, languages, recent changes, etc.? This SHOULD be based on the AI model as well.

Cursor

Less understanding overall, but way easier to ADD context, documentation, etc.

Windsurf

Surprised me with it's implementation of Svelte 5. I'd say good!

Tie

Speed

The performance and response time of the editor and its AI features. Also depends on AI model!

Cursor

Blazing fast, except when it's buggy.

Windsurf

Slower (not always a bad thing).

Cursor

Learning Curve

The difficulty level for new users to become proficient with the editor.

Cursor

Bigger learning curve for the more advanced features.

Windsurf

Very intuitive. Feels more "non-developer" friendly.

Windsurf

Who's It For

The target audience or ideal users for the editor, such as solo developers or teams.

Cursor

More seasonded developers.

Windsurf

Developers can still get great use out of this--but the AI agent features is where Windsurf shines. Good for non-developers

Tie

Which Editor Is Right for You? (Because Context Matters!)

It’s like asking, “Should I get a dog or a cat?”

The answer is always "dog."

Just kidding. The real question is, what do you need to accomplish your goals??

Are You a New Developer or Non-Developer?

If you’re newer to coding—or not a coder at all—Windsurf is your friend.

Its intuitive setup and simpler design make it less intimidating, and the AI agent feels more approachable for beginners (and arguably more complete!).

Plus, Windsurf is new--it's only a matter of time before it releases some of those "missing" features (like image analysis and more @ functionality).

Are You a Hardcore Dev Who Lives in the Matrix?

For the seasoned coders who could TECHNICALLY code all their stuff manually...

(or copy/paste from Stack Overflow let's be real)

Cursor’s autocomplete / "code completion" is unmatched. It’s more of a “power user’s tool” that rewards those willing to put in the time to learn its quirks (and quickly forgo the occasional bugs).

But don’t write off Windsurf entirely—it still packs a punch for veteran devs, especially if you’re looking for something that can adapt to your workflow without requiring a three-hour crash course. Plus, its accuracy on larger-scale changes is impressive.

And again, all of these tools will eventually be exactly the same. #truth.

Final Verdict: Pick Your Poison

If you’re all about speed and precision (and can tolerate a few quirks), Cursor might be your soulmate. But if you want a tool that feels more thoughtful, intuitive, and beginner-friendly, Windsurf has your back. Honestly, either one beats manually hunting through Stack Overflow for the same bug you Googled last week.

The real winner here? OpenAI & Anthropic.

Because no matter which editor you choose, you're funding them. 😉