Best AI Code Editors Compared 2026
TL;DR: Cursor for power. Copilot for VS Code. Codeium for free.
Complete Comparison
| Tool | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | $0-20/mo | 9.5/10 | Full AI IDE with codebase context and multi-file editing |
| GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | 8.5/10 | Seamless VS Code integration, great autocomplete |
| Codeium | Free | 8/10 | Best free option with unlimited code completions |
| Tabnine | Free-$12/mo | 7.5/10 | Privacy-focused with local model option |
| Amazon CodeWhisperer | Free | 7.5/10 | AWS integration, free for individuals |
Our #1 Pick: Cursor
Cursor ($0-20/mo) — Full AI IDE with codebase context and multi-file editing. Our top recommendation for most users in this category.
Best Budget Option
Cursor ($0-20/mo)
How to Choose
- Start with free tiers — test before paying
- Pick based on your primary use case, not feature count
- Most professionals use 2-3 tools from different categories
- Re-evaluate every 3 months as AI tools evolve rapidly
FAQ
Which is best overall?
Cursor is our top pick for most users in this category.
Is there a good free option?
Yes — Codeium offers a generous free tier.
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