# Cursor vs Windsurf: the AI code editor to pick

Cursor is our pick for most developers: it is built on VS Code, so your extensions and shortcuts come with you, its agent changes many files from one request, and a free plan lets you try it before switching. Windsurf is the pick if you want to hand off whole tasks, since its Cascade agent reads the full codebase, runs terminal commands and fixes the errors it hits. Our data shows no free tier for Windsurf, which makes Cursor the cheaper test.

- **[Cursor](https://suiteintent.com/t/cursor?m=GB)**: AI code editor built on VS Code, with MCP. · Best for: Multi-file changes from one request · Free plan

- **[Windsurf](https://suiteintent.com/t/windsurf?m=GB)**: AI code editor with the Cascade agent. · Best for: Multi-file refactors you'd rather delegate · Pricing on request

## Cursor

You live in VS Code and want to keep your setup, you want MCP servers to feed the agent project context, or you want to try an AI editor before paying anything.

## Windsurf

You want to describe a larger refactor and let an agent work through it, running commands and fixing its own errors while you review the result.

## Questions

### Can I keep my VS Code extensions?

In Cursor, yes: it is built on VS Code, so extensions, settings and shortcuts carry over. That makes the switch take minutes rather than days. Windsurf is its own editor, so check that the extensions you rely on work there before moving a whole team.

### Which agent is better at changes across many files?

Both edit several files from one request and run terminal commands. Windsurf's Cascade also fixes errors it finds along the way and follows what you are working on. Cursor's agent plans the change first and can pull extra context from MCP servers. Give both the same real ticket and compare the diffs.

### Is there a free version of Cursor or Windsurf?

Cursor has a free plan. Our data lists no free plan for Windsurf, and we do not show a price because we could not confirm one. Check Windsurf's own pricing page before you budget for a team.

### Do they support MCP?

Cursor supports MCP servers, which give its agent extra context such as your database schema or tickets. Windsurf documents native MCP support in Cascade, so you can add your own servers there too. Set up the same server in both and see which uses it more sensibly.

### Is my code safe with an AI editor?

Both send code to AI models to generate suggestions, so read each vendor's privacy terms before opening client work. Many teams start on side projects and move production code once legal has signed off. Keep secrets out of the repository whichever editor you choose.