Cursor AI Review: Is It Worth $20/Month for Developers? (2025)
Cursor AI Review: The AI-First Code Editor
Cursor has become the most popular AI-powered code editor, offering deep AI integration that goes beyond simple autocomplete. But at $20/month, is it worth switching from VS Code?
Key Features
Cmd+K Inline Editing
Select any code, press Cmd+K, and describe what you want to change in natural language. Cursor modifies the code in place. This is the feature that hooks most developers.
Composer (Multi-File Editing)
Describe a feature or change, and Composer edits across multiple files simultaneously. It understands your project structure and makes coordinated changes.
Tab Autocomplete
More intelligent than GitHub Copilot’s autocomplete. Cursor predicts not just the next line, but entire code blocks based on your editing patterns and project context.
Chat with Codebase
Ask questions about your entire codebase using @codebase. Cursor indexes your project and can answer questions about architecture, find bugs, and suggest improvements.
Cursor Plans
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 2000 completions, 50 Cmd+K, limited chat |
| Pro | $20/mo | Unlimited completions, 500 fast requests/mo |
| Business | $40/user/mo | Team features, admin controls, SSO |
Cursor vs Alternatives
| Tool | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | AI IDE | $20/mo | Daily coding with AI |
| Claude Code | CLI Agent | $20/mo | Complex multi-file tasks |
| GitHub Copilot | Extension | $10/mo | Autocomplete in any IDE |
| Windsurf | AI IDE | Free-$15/mo | Budget option |
Detailed comparison: Cursor vs Windsurf vs Copilot
Our Verdict
If you code daily, Cursor Pro is worth $20/month. The time saved with Cmd+K and Composer alone justifies the cost. For complex project-wide tasks, pair it with Claude Code. For budget-conscious developers, Windsurf’s free tier is a strong alternative.
Ready to get started?
Try Cursor Free →Find the Perfect AI Tool for Your Needs
Compare pricing, features, and reviews of 50+ AI tools
Browse All AI Tools →Get Weekly AI Tool Updates
Join 1,000+ professionals. Free AI tools cheatsheet included.
