What is the difference between Cursor Free and Pro?
Feature Comparison
Cursor Free includes basic AI features with limits: you get a certain number of AI requests per month, access to models like GPT-3.5 and cursor-small, and limited Composer usage. It's suitable for light use or trying out the editor.
Cursor Pro unlocks premium models (GPT-4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet), significantly higher request limits, unlimited Composer (subject to fair use), and faster responses. It also includes priority support and early access to new features.
Both plans include the core code editor, but Pro removes the constraints that can interrupt heavy AI workflows.
Usage Limits
Free users typically get a few hundred AI requests per month, which can be exhausted quickly if you use AI for every task. Pro users get thousands of requests or unlimited usage for certain models.
Composer in Free is limited to a small number of uses per month, while Pro allows unlimited Composer sessions (with fair use policy). This makes Pro essential for multi-file projects.
The exact limits can change, so check Cursor's pricing page for current numbers.
Who Should Choose Which
Free is good for students, hobbyists, or developers who only need occasional AI help. Pro is aimed at professionals who use AI daily and need reliable access to top models.
If you find yourself hitting Free limits or needing GPT-4/Claude for complex tasks, upgrading to Pro is worthwhile. Many users start with Free and upgrade after a few days.
There's also a Business plan for teams, which adds centralized billing, admin controls, and enhanced privacy.
- Free: limited requests, basic models, limited Composer.
- Pro: high limits, premium models, unlimited Composer.
- Pro includes priority support and early features.
- Free is fine for light use; Pro for daily professional use.
- Business plan adds team management and privacy controls.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Free includes GPT-4—it generally does not; that's a Pro feature.
- Assuming Composer is unlimited on Free—it has strict monthly limits.
- Believing Pro's 'unlimited' means truly no limits; fair use policies apply.
