Cursor vs VS Code: Do You Need an AI-Native IDE? (2026)
A practical comparison of Cursor and VS Code: when to choose an AI-first IDE versus staying in VS Code with extensions like Copilot or Continue.
Editorial Team
The AI Coding Tools Directory editorial team researches and reviews AI-powered development tools to help developers find the best solutions for their workflows.
Cursor is a VS Code fork with AI built in. VS Code stays neutral—you add Copilot, Continue, or other extensions. The real question: do you want an AI-first IDE or your current editor + AI extensions?
Quick Answer
Cursor for Composer, Agent mode, and 25+ models without extension setup. VS Code for staying in the standard editor and adding AI via extensions. Heavy multi-file and agent workflows? Cursor. Minimal change? VS Code + Copilot or Continue.
Feature Comparison Table
How they differ on AI integration and workflow:
| Feature | Cursor | VS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Base | VS Code fork | Standard VS Code |
| AI | Built-in (Tab, Composer, Agent) | Via extensions (Copilot, Continue, etc.) |
| Multi-file AI editing | Native Composer with diff review | Copilot chat; Continue agent; no native Composer |
| Agent/autonomous | Agent mode | Extensions vary |
| Model choice | 25+ models in one product | Depends on extension (Copilot: managed; Continue: BYOK) |
| Extensions | Most VS Code extensions work | Full extension marketplace |
| Cost | Hobby free; Pro $20/month | Free; AI cost depends on extension |
| Familiarity | VS Code-like UI | Standard VS Code |
Pricing and Value
Cursor
| Plan | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby | $0 | 2-week Pro trial, then limited |
| Pro | $20/month | Unlimited completions, 500 premium requests, all models |
VS Code + AI Extensions
- VS Code: Free
- Copilot Free: 2,000 completions + 50 premium requests/month
- Copilot Pro: $10/month
- Continue: Free (open-source); you supply API keys
- Other extensions: Varies
Best For
| If you... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Want Composer and Agent without extension setup | Cursor |
| Prefer standard VS Code for compliance or consistency | VS Code + Copilot/Continue |
| Want model flexibility (GPT, Claude, Gemini) in one place | Cursor |
| Need free AI with BYOK (bring your own key) | VS Code + Continue |
| Work in a team that standardizes on VS Code | VS Code + Copilot |
| Want lowest friction for AI completions | VS Code + Copilot (install and go) |
| Need multi-file edits with structured diff review | Cursor (Composer) |
Final Verdict
Cursor if you want Composer and Agent and are willing to switch editors. VS Code + extensions if you prefer the standard editor and incremental AI. Both are valid; the split is workflow preference and how much you value Cursor’s native multi-file and agent features.
More options: AI IDE guide, best AI tools for VS Code.
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Tools Mentioned in This Article
Workflow Resources
Cookbook
AI-Powered Code Review & Quality
Automate code review and enforce quality standards using AI-powered tools and agentic workflows.
Cookbook
Building AI-Powered Applications
Build applications powered by LLMs, RAG, and AI agents using Claude Code, Cursor, and modern AI frameworks.
Cookbook
Building APIs & Backends with AI Agents
Design and build robust APIs and backend services with AI coding agents, from REST to GraphQL.
Cookbook
Debugging with AI Agents
Systematically debug complex issues using AI coding agents with structured workflows and MCP integrations.
Skill
Change risk triage
A systematic method for categorizing AI-generated code changes by blast radius and required verification depth, preventing high-risk changes from shipping without adequate review.
Skill
Configuring MCP servers
A cross-tool guide to setting up Model Context Protocol servers in Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, and VS Code, including server types, authentication, and common patterns.
Skill
Local model quality loop
Improve code output quality when using local AI models by combining rules files, iterative retries with error feedback, and test-backed validation gates.
Skill
Plan-implement-verify loop
A structured execution pattern for safe AI-assisted coding changes that prevents scope creep and ensures every edit is backed by test evidence.
MCP Server
AWS MCP Server
Open source MCP servers from AWS Labs that give AI coding agents access to AWS documentation, best practices, and contextual guidance for building on AWS.
MCP Server
Docker MCP Server
Docker MCP Gateway orchestrates MCP servers in isolated containers, providing secure discovery and execution of Model Context Protocol servers across AI coding tools.
MCP Server
Figma MCP Server
Official Figma MCP server that brings design context, variables, components, and Code Connect data into AI coding sessions for design-to-code workflows.
MCP Server
Firebase MCP Server
Experimental Firebase MCP server that gives AI coding agents access to Firestore, Auth, security rules, Cloud Messaging, and project management through the Firebase CLI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cursor just VS Code with AI?
Can I use VS Code extensions in Cursor?
Which is free?
When should I switch from VS Code to Cursor?
Does Cursor replace VS Code?
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