Cursor

Cursor is an AI-first code editor built on the VS Code foundation. It adds an AI chat that understands your codebase, inline edits, autocomplete and agents that can make changes across many files. Because it is based on VS Code, most extensions, themes and settings carry over.

Quick facts

• Made by: Anysphere (founded 2022)
• Free plan: Yes, called Hobby, with limited usage
• Paid plans: Pro, Pro+, Ultra, a team plan and Enterprise
• Works on: macOS, Windows and Linux
• Pricing last checked: October 2026, using several recent published sources. Cursor has changed its pricing model and plan names more than once, so confirm on the official pricing page.

What Cursor is best at

• Understanding a codebase: ask questions about files, functions and how things connect.
• Editing across files: agent mode can plan and apply multi-file changes you review as diffs.
• Everyday coding: autocomplete, inline edits, refactors and writing tests.
• Following your conventions: project rules files keep the AI aligned with your standards.

How pricing works

Cursor uses a usage-based credit system. Each paid plan includes a pool of model credits, and the main difference between Pro, Pro+ and Ultra is the size of that pool. Using stronger models, larger context or background agents consumes credits faster, and you can pay for usage beyond your pool. Track your monthly use before deciding whether to upgrade.

Plans and pricing

Sources differ on how much more usage Ultra gives than Pro (reports say 10x to 20x), so check the official page for current allowances. The team plan reportedly includes Pro-level credits per seat, so the extra cost is for admin features, not more AI usage.

Best for

• Developers who want AI deeply integrated into their editor.
• People comfortable moving from VS Code to a VS Code-based editor.
• Teams that want shared rules and admin controls.

Less suited to

• Anyone who needs fully predictable monthly costs, since usage drives spend.
• Teams standardised on another editor who do not want to switch.

How to get started

1. Download Cursor from the official website and import your VS Code settings and extensions.
2. Open a small project and ask the chat to explain the structure.
3. Make one small change with an inline edit, and review the diff before accepting.
4. Add a rules file to the repository describing your conventions, testing approach and things to avoid.
5. Watch your usage for a month, then decide whether to stay on Pro or move up.

Prompt ideas to copy

Explain how authentication works in this project. List the files involved, the request flow and any security risks you notice.

Add input validation to @[file] using the same patterns as the rest of the project. Write tests for the new behaviour and do not change unrelated code.

Refactor this function to be easier to read without changing behaviour. List each change and why you made it.

Limitations and things to watch

• Always review diffs, since AI edits can introduce bugs or unrelated changes.
• Be careful with secrets and private code, and check the privacy settings for your plan.
• Agent modes can use credits quickly on large tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cursor free?

Yes. The free plan is called Hobby and comes with limited usage.

Is Cursor based on VS Code?

Yes. Cursor is built on the VS Code foundation, so most extensions, themes and settings carry over.

How much does Cursor Pro cost?

Pro was $20 per month (about $16 per month billed annually) when we last checked in October 2026. Cursor has changed its pricing model and plan names more than once, so confirm on the official page.

How does Cursor’s credit system work?

Each paid plan includes a pool of model credits. Stronger models, larger context and background agents use credits faster, and you can pay for usage beyond the pool.

Which operating systems does Cursor support?

macOS, Windows and Linux.

Alternatives

For a conversational assistant that also writes code, see Claude and ChatGPT.