Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Last updated · Prices change often; confirm on each tool's site.
Pick GitHub Copilot if you want AI inside the editor you already use for less money: Pro is $10/month and includes Claude, GPT, Gemini and Grok models. Pick Cursor if you want an editor built around AI agents; since October 2026 its $8 Plus plan uses Grok models only, and Claude or GPT models are billed at API prices even on the $30 Premium plan.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Free tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | Free plan with limited agent and chat use | Plus $8/mo (Grok models only) · Premium $30/mo · Super $100/mo | An AI-first editor built around coding agents |
| GitHub Copilot | 2,000 completions + 50 chat requests a month | Pro $10/mo · Pro+ $39/mo · Max $100/mo | AI in VS Code, JetBrains and other editors you already use |
Who should pick which
- Pick GitHub Copilot if you're happy in your current editor, want models from several providers on one plan, or work in GitHub every day. Chat and agents use GitHub AI Credits; code completions are unlimited on paid plans.
- Pick Cursor if you want the editor itself built around agents, and Grok models suit you or you're fine paying API prices for others. Premium adds cloud agents and Bugbot code reviews.
Good to know
- Since October 2026 Cursor is sold as part of The X Subscription (with Grok and X Premium). Cursor says existing subscribers can keep their current plan; switching is optional.
- GitHub paused new Copilot individual sign-ups on April 20, 2026 and reopened them from June 17, 2026.
- Neither Cursor nor GitHub pays us. Prices are US list prices checked October 19, 2026.
FAQ
Is Cursor better than GitHub Copilot?
It depends on how you work. Cursor is a full editor designed around AI agents; Copilot adds AI to the editor you already use and costs less for access to many models. Both have free plans, so try your own project in each.
Which is cheaper?
Cursor Plus is cheaper at $8/month, but it uses Grok models only. For Claude or GPT models, Copilot Pro at $10/month includes them, while Cursor bills them separately at API list prices.
Can I use Claude in Cursor or Copilot?
Yes in both, but differently. Copilot plans include Claude models, with chat and agent use counted in GitHub AI Credits. In Cursor, Claude and other third-party models are billed separately at API list price.
What happened to Windsurf?
Windsurf was renamed Devin Desktop on June 2, 2026, and windsurf.com now points to devin.ai/desktop. See our AI code editors guide for it and other options.
Related guides
Sources
Prices and limits come from each vendor's own pricing or help pages unless noted, checked October 19, 2026.
- Cursor pricing
- Cursor: The X Subscription overview
- GitHub Copilot plans
- GitHub changelog: Copilot sign-ups reopening (Jun 17, 2026)
- Windsurf is now Devin Desktop
How we pick
We compare tools on fit for the job, free-tier limits and price, not on commissions. See our method and affiliate disclosure.
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