AI Writing
Cursor vs VSCode: AI-Powered Code Editor Comparison 2025
Compare Cursor vs VSCode features, AI capabilities, and developer experience. Find the best code editor for modern development with AI assistance.
Trusted by Thousands
Both platforms serve millions of users worldwide
Powerful Features
Advanced capabilities and integrations
Flexible Pricing
Plans to fit every budget and business size
Features Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | VSCode |
|---|---|---|
| AI Integration | Native AI assistant built-in | AI extensions available (GitHub Copilot, etc.) |
| AI Integration | Native AI assistant built-in | AI extensions available (GitHub Copilot, etc.) |
| Code Completion | Advanced AI-powered completion | IntelliSense + AI extensions |
| Code Completion | Advanced AI-powered completion | IntelliSense + AI extensions |
| Extensions Ecosystem | $40/user/month with admin tools and privacy features | 50,000+ extensions available |
| Extensions Ecosystem | Limited but growing | 50,000+ extensions available |
| Performance | Fast, optimized for AI | Highly optimized, mature |
| Performance | $40/user/month with admin tools and privacy features | Highly optimized, mature |
| Language Support | All major languages | Extensive language support |
| Language Support | All major languages | Extensive language support |
| Git Integration | Built-in Git support | Advanced Git integration |
| Git Integration | Built-in Git support | Advanced Git integration |
Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | VSCode |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version | Free with limitations | Completely free |
| Free Version | Free with limitations | Completely free |
| Pro Plan | $40/user/month with admin tools and privacy features | Free (pay for extensions like Copilot) |
| Pro Plan | $20/month for unlimited AI | Free (pay for extensions like Copilot) |
| Team Plans | Team pricing $40/user/month with admin tools and privacy features | Free for teams |
| Team Plans | Team pricing available | Free for teams |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Free, but enterprise-grade collaboration or AI (e.g., Copilot for Business) has a separate cost |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Free with enterprise features |
Pros & Advantages
| Feature | Cursor | VSCode |
|---|---|---|
| Native AI integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Native AI integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Modern AI-first design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Modern AI-first design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fast AI responses | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fast AI responses | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vast extension library | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vast extension library | ✗ | ✓ |
| Completely free | ✗ | ✓ |
| Completely free | ✗ | ✓ |
| Industry standard | ✗ | ✓ |
| Industry standard | ✗ | ✓ |
Cons & Limitations
| Feature | Cursor | VSCode |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription cost | ✓ | ✗ |
| Subscription cost | ✓ | ✗ |
| Limited extensions | ✓ | ✗ |
| Limited extensions | ✓ | ✗ |
| Newer, less mature | ✓ | ✗ |
| Newer, less mature | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI requires extensions | ✗ | ✓ |
| AI requires extensions | ✗ | ✓ |
The Bottom Line
Cursor is ideal for developers focusing on AI-first workflows—offering deep codebase understanding, natural-language task execution, and built-in agent capabilities. VSCode remains the industry-standard editor with unmatched extension ecosystem and flexibility, though AI features require plug-ins like GitHub Copilot.
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