What are the best AI code editors like Cursor?
Editors built on VS Code
Several AI editors are built on the VS Code base, so they feel familiar and can use many VS Code extensions. Cursor is one example, and Windsurf is another option that is often compared with it. Their plans, models and features change frequently, so the official pricing and documentation pages are the best place to check current details.
Assistants that plug into your current editor
If you prefer the editor you already use, GitHub Copilot works inside VS Code, JetBrains IDEs and some other tools. JetBrains also offers its own AI assistant for its IDEs. These options let you keep your setup and add AI on top, which matters if your team already uses standard tooling.
How to compare them
Try two or three tools on the same small project. Compare how each handles your programming language, how well it understands changes across several files, how fast it responds and what the free tier allows. Also read the privacy terms, since policies differ on whether your code is stored or used for model training.
- Test on a project you already know well
- Compare free tier limits and paid plans
- Check how each tool handles multi-file edits
- Read the data retention and training policy
Common mistakes
- Choosing a tool based on a single online ranking that may be out of date.
- Ignoring privacy and data policies when you work with company code.
- Switching tools before you have learned the basics of the one you already use.
