Cursor Review: The AI-First Code Editor
Our hands-on evaluation shows why Cursor is revolutionizing coding with deeply integrated AI features while maintaining VS Code's best qualities.
Overview
Cursor is a modern code editor built from the ground up with AI integration at its core. While maintaining compatibility with VS Code extensions and workflows, Cursor adds powerful AI capabilities directly into the editing experience. It's designed for developers who want AI assistance that understands their entire codebase context, not just the current file.
Version Tested
Cursor Pro 1.8 (June 2025)
Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux
Base Editor
VS Code-compatible
Free Tier
Limited AI features
Note: Cursor works with your existing VS Code extensions but adds unique AI capabilities not available in vanilla VS Code.
Key Features
Cursor supercharges development with these AI-powered capabilities:
AI Code Completions
Context-aware suggestions that understand your entire project.
Chat Interface
Natural language conversations about your codebase.
Semantic Search
Find code by meaning rather than just text matches.
Codebase Awareness
AI understands your project structure and dependencies.
AI Refactoring
Automated code improvements with natural language commands.
Debugging Assistant
AI helps diagnose and fix errors in context.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deepest AI integration in any code editor
- Maintains VS Code compatibility
- Excellent whole-project understanding
- Powerful refactoring tools
- Natural language code generation
- Minimal setup required
Cons
- Resource-intensive on large projects
- Requires internet for full AI features
- Occasional over-eager completions
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- No mobile version available
- Steep learning curve for AI features
Pricing & Plans
Cursor offers tiered pricing for different development needs:
Free
- Basic AI completions
- Limited chat queries
- Community support
- VS Code compatibility
- Local projects only
Pro
- Advanced AI completions
- Unlimited chat
- Codebase-wide AI
- Priority support
- Early feature access
Organization
- All Pro features
- Team collaboration
- Private code training
- Admin controls
- Self-hosting option
Note: Annual subscriptions save 20% over monthly pricing. Educational discounts available.
How It Compares
Cursor stands out in the AI coding assistant space:
| Feature | Cursor | VS Code+Copilot | JetBrains AI | CodeSandbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Integration Depth | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Codebase Awareness | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Editor Features | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Refactoring Tools | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Extension Ecosystem | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pricing | $$ | $$ | $$$ | Free-$ |
Best Use Cases
Cursor shines in these development scenarios:
Large-Scale Refactoring
AI-assisted updates across entire codebases.
Team Onboarding
Quickly understand unfamiliar code with AI explanations.
Complex Debugging
AI helps trace issues through multiple files.
Rapid Prototyping
Generate boilerplate and scaffold projects quickly.
Code Documentation
Auto-generate and update code documentation.
Framework Migration
Assisted conversion between versions/languages.
Expert Tips
Maximize your Cursor experience with these professional techniques:
Be Specific in Chat
Reference file names and line numbers for precise assistance.
Open Entire Projects
Cursor works best when it sees your full codebase context.
Customize AI Behavior
Adjust completion aggressiveness in settings.
Use VS Code Extensions
Most VS Code extensions work in Cursor.
Train on Your Codebase
Let Cursor index before major queries for better results.
Review Before Accepting
Always check AI suggestions before implementation.
Alternatives to Consider
While Cursor is excellent, these alternatives may better suit specific needs:
VS Code + Copilot
Best for: Extension ecosystem, stability
Limitations: Less integrated AI
JetBrains AI
Best for: Java/Kotlin, IntelliJ users
Limitations: Language focus
CodeSandbox
Best for: Web prototyping, collaboration
Limitations: Less full-featured
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cursor just VS Code with AI added?
+No, while it's compatible with VS Code extensions, Cursor has rebuilt the editor experience around AI from the ground up, with deeper integration than what's possible with VS Code plugins.
How does Cursor handle code privacy?
+Cursor processes code in the cloud by default (with encryption), but offers local processing options for sensitive code. Enterprise plans can self-host the AI components.
Can I use my VS Code settings in Cursor?
+Yes, Cursor can import your VS Code settings, keybindings, and extensions. Many settings sync automatically if you use VS Code's sync feature.
Is Cursor good for pair programming?
+Yes, Cursor has excellent built-in collaboration features that go beyond VS Code's Live Share, with AI-assisted code review and real-time co-editing.
Does Cursor work with legacy codebases?
+Yes, one of Cursor's strengths is helping developers understand and modernize older codebases through AI analysis and refactoring tools.
Ready to Experience AI-First Development?
Cursor offers the most deeply integrated AI coding experience available today.
Try Cursor NowLast Updated: June 28, 2025 | Suggest an Update