Best AI Code Editors Compared: Cursor vs Windsurf vs Copilot vs Zed (2025)
Best AI Code Editors in 2025: Complete Comparison
AI code editors have become essential for modern development. Here is a detailed comparison of every major AI-powered code editor available in 2025.
TL;DR: Cursor for power users who want the best AI coding experience. GitHub Copilot for those who prefer VS Code with an AI add-on. Windsurf for the best free option. Zed for performance. All are excellent choices.
Editor Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf | Copilot | Zed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | VS Code fork | VS Code fork | VS Code extension | Custom (Rust) |
| AI chat | Best | Good | Good | Good |
| Inline editing | Cmd+K | Cmd+K | Inline chat | Inline |
| Multi-file | Composer | Cascade | Workspace | Limited |
| Autocomplete | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Speed | Good | Good | Good | Fastest |
| Free tier | Limited | Generous | Free (students) | Free |
| Price | $20/mo | $15/mo | $10/mo | Free/$10/mo |
| AI models | Claude, GPT-4o | Claude, GPT-4o | Claude, GPT-4o | Claude, GPT-4o |
Best For
- Cursor: Developers who want the most capable AI editing experience. Multi-file Composer is unmatched.
- Windsurf: Developers who want a good free AI editor. Cascade flows handle complex tasks well.
- GitHub Copilot: Developers who love VS Code and want AI as an add-on without switching editors.
- Zed: Developers who prioritize editor speed and want AI as a bonus feature.
In-depth reviews: Cursor review. VS comparison: Cursor vs Windsurf vs Copilot. Terminal AI: Claude Code vs Cursor.
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