AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Cursor
Cursor combines editing chat and agents
- SF Score
- 8.9/10
- Pricing
- Free · Paid
Compare tools
2 of 4 tools selected
AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Windsurf
Windsurf keeps coding agents inside IDEs
- SF Score
- 9.1/10
- Pricing
- Free · Paid
Add third toolCompare up to 4 side by side
Compare features, strengths, trade-offs, and best-fit use cases.
Comparing
Where each one leads
Read straight from the published figures below — not a ranking, and not a recommendation.
Highest SF Score
Windsurf9.1/10
2 of 2 are scored
At a glance
The short version
The facts each tool publishes, lined up so you can scan down a column. Anything the catalog does not establish is marked as such rather than counted against the tool.
Cursor
- SF Score
- 8.9 / 10
- Starts at
- $20/mo
- Free plan
- Available
- Category
- AI Development & Coding Software › AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Windsurf
- SF Score
- 9.1 / 10
- Starts at
- $20/mo
- Free plan
- Available
- Category
- AI Development & Coding Software › AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Key differences
Where these tools actually diverge
The decision dimensions that separate this set, with each tool's own position stated plainly. No winner is declared — fit depends on your workflow.
Positioned for
Cursor
AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Windsurf
AI Code Editor & IDE Software
Pricing model
Cursor
Free · Paid
Windsurf
Free · Paid
SoftFinders Score
Cursor
8.9 / 10
Windsurf
9.1 / 10
Feature comparison
Capability matrix
Grouped by area. Every state carries a word as well as a colour, and anything the catalog has not established stays neutral rather than counting as a missing feature.
1 row differs 4 identical
| Capability | | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| SF Score | 8.9 / 10Value | 9.1 / 10Value |
| Pricing model | FreemiumValue | FreemiumValue |
| Starts at | $20/moValue | $20/moValue |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Development & Coding Software › AI Code Editor & IDE SoftwareValue | AI Development & Coding Software › AI Code Editor & IDE SoftwareValue |
Scroll the matrix sideways to see every column.
Listed by one tool only
14 capabilities are published by a single tool in this set. That does not mean the others lack them — only that the catalog has not established an answer either way.
- Inline EditsApplies requested changes with reviewable file diffs
- Workspace ContextReads project files before generating targeted edits
- Terminal LoopsRuns commands to verify agentic code changes
- Composer FlowCoordinates prompts edits and navigation together smoothly
- Team ControlsSupports rules settings and enterprise review needs
- Bugbot Code ReviewReviews pull requests for bugs and security
- Agent ModeRuns multi-step coding tasks inside editor sessions
- MCP IntegrationsConnects agents with external tools and data
- Code GenerationDrafts components services and fixes from prompts
- Flow AwarenessKeeps project context active during iterative edits
- Terminal WorkCombines commands feedback and file updates quickly
- Editor ActionsApplies changes while preserving developer review control
- App BuildingHelps build prototypes from natural language requests
- Cascade AgentCoordinates coding steps through context-aware agent flows
Use cases
What each tool is built for
The workflows each tool publishes for itself. Cards appear only for tools that list use cases.
Cursor
- Prototype App Building
- Repository Navigation Help
- Agent Assisted Debugging
- Terminal Feedback Loops
- UI Implementation Work
+5 more on the Cursor profile
Windsurf
- Flow State Coding
- Prompt To App
- Editor Based Debugging
- Cascade Guided Refactors
- Frontend Iteration Work
+1 more on the Windsurf profile
Pros & cons
Strengths and compromises
Each tool's published strengths and the compromises that come with them, as supplied — not scored or ranked against each other. Longer lists fold; nothing is left out.
Cursor
Pros
- Agentic editor keeps changes highly visible
- Inline edits reduce copy paste work
- Good for rapid prototype iteration sessions
- Privacy Mode available on free tier
- Cloud agents run without local machine
- Tab supports coordinated cross-file edits
Cons
- Requires adopting another editor environment first
- Agent edits still need careful supervision
- Enterprise governance should be verified upfront
- Cloud Agents require a paid plan
- Bugbot uses usage-based billing
- Model choice affects included usage consumption
- Enterprise pricing requires sales contact
- Third-party models incur separate usage charges
Windsurf
Pros
- Cascade flow supports multi-step coding sessions
- Editor integration keeps context switching low
- Strong for frontend application prototyping work
Cons
- Pricing and acquisition history need review
- Agent changes require careful developer oversight
- Best fit depends on editor adoption
Pricing
What each one costs
Published pricing signals only. Where a tool has not established a price, that is what it says — never a zero and never "free".
Cursor
- Model
- Freemium
Public Pricing
See full pricingWindsurf
- Model
- Freemium
Public Pricing
See full pricingNext step
Ready to try one?
A matrix narrows the field; a free trial settles it. Open whichever tool fits your workflow best, or start a different comparison.
Compare another set of tools