I’ll be honest—when I first heard about Cursor AI, I thought it was just another AI coding tool trying to cash in on the hype. After all, we’ve seen dozens of these tools pop up in the last year, all promising to revolutionise how we write code.
But after using Cursor daily for the past three months, I have to admit I was wrong. This thing is actually pretty impressive.
Cursor is built on top of VS Code, so it feels familiar right from the start. But unlike other tools that slap AI features onto an existing editor, Cursor was designed from the ground up with AI deeply integrated into everything. The AI doesn’t just suggest the following line—it understands your entire project and can make changes across multiple files at once.
Now, here’s the catch: the Pro plan costs $20 per month. That’s not pocket change, especially if you’re already paying for other dev tools. So the real question is: does it actually save you enough time to justify the cost?
I’ve been testing it on everything from React frontends to Python backends, and I want to share what I’ve learned. Let me walk you through the good, the bad, and whether this tool is worth your money.
Quick Verdict
Here’s my take after three months of real-world use:
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best for: Developers who want AI that goes way beyond basic autocomplete
Pricing: Free tier available to try it out, Pro plan is $20/month
My recommendation: If you code every day, it’s worth it. But definitely start with the free tier first to see if it fits your workflow.
What I Like About It
- The interface feels exactly like VS Code, so there’s basically no learning curve for the basics.
- The Composer feature (more on this later) is legitimately game-changing
- It can edit multiple files at once while understanding how they all fit together
- You get to choose which AI model to use—Claude, GPT-4, whatever works best for you
- The free tier is quite generous and lets you test the service.
What Could Be Better
- Twenty bucks a month adds up, especially if you’re coding as a hobby or learning.
- Sometimes it generates code that looks fine but doesn’t actually work the way you expect
- You need to learn some new keyboard shortcuts and workflows to really get the most out of it.
- A handful of VS Code extensions I rely on had some weird compatibility issues.
What Actually Is Cursor AI?
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that’s based on Visual Studio Code. But here’s what makes it different from just installing an AI extension in regular VS Code: Cursor was built with AI as a core feature from day one, not bolted on as an afterthought.
What does that mean in practice? Instead of just getting autocomplete suggestions, Cursor’s AI actually reads and understands your entire codebase. It can look at how different files connect to each other, follow your coding patterns, and respond to instructions in plain English.
Think of it this way: most AI coding assistants are like someone who’s only reading the page you’re currently working on. Cursor is more like someone who’s read your entire project documentation and understands the big picture.
What Sets It Apart
It’s Built on VS Code
If you’re already using VS Code (and let’s be honest, most of us are), switching to Cursor feels natural. Your keyboard shortcuts still work. Your themes look the same. Most of your extensions just carry over. You can literally import your entire VS Code setup with a single click.
The AI is Baked In, Not Tacked On
Because the AI features aren’t just plugins, Cursor can do things that would be impossible with a regular extension. For example, the Composer feature can plan out changes across your entire project and execute them all at once. That’s something a simple extension just can’t do.
You’re Not Locked Into One AI Model
Unlike GitHub Copilot (which only uses OpenAI’s models), Cursor lets you pick from Claude, GPT-4, GPT-4o, and others. You can even bring your own API key if you want more control. This flexibility is surprisingly useful because different models are better at different tasks.
The Features That Actually Matter
Let me walk you through the features I use most, and more importantly, which ones actually make a difference in day-to-day coding.
Tab Autocomplete: Better Than You’d Expect
Look, autocomplete isn’t exactly revolutionary anymore. But Cursor’s version is noticeably better than what I’ve used before.
Instead of just suggesting the next line, it often predicts entire functions. It picks up on your coding style and suggests code that actually matches how you write. After a while, it feels like it’s anticipating what you’re about to type.
My experience: I was skeptical at first, but it genuinely understands context better than vanilla Copilot. For example, it picked up on naming conventions and patterns in my codebase that I never explicitly taught it. That kind of pattern recognition saves more time than you’d think.
Composer: This Is The Big One
This is the feature that made me actually excited about Cursor. Press Cmd+I (or Ctrl+I on Windows), describe what you want in plain English, and watch it work.
Here’s what happens:
– Cursor figures out which files need to change
– It edits multiple files simultaneously
– You get a diff view showing everything it plans to do
– You can accept or reject changes individually
Real example I used yesterday:
I typed: “Add a dark mode toggle to the settings page. Store the preference in localStorage and apply it globally using CSS variables.”
Cursor went ahead and modified my settings component, created the toggle UI, added the localStorage logic, updated my CSS file, and even added the global state management. All of that in about 30 seconds.
Tasks that used to take me half an hour of jumping between files now take a couple minutes of describing what I want and reviewing the changes. That’s not an exaggeration—Composer has legitimately changed how I approach refactoring and feature additions.
Chat That Actually Understands Your Code
The chat feature (Cmd+L or Ctrl+L) is like having a conversation with someone who’s already read your entire codebase.
Some things I’ve asked it:
– “Where did I put the user authentication logic?”
– “Walk me through how the payment flow works”
– “If I rename this function, what else would break?”
Why this matters: I work on multiple projects, and jumping back into one I haven’t touched in a month used to require a solid hour of reacquainting myself with the code. Now I just ask Cursor questions and get back up to speed in 10 minutes.
It’s especially useful when working with code you didn’t write. Instead of grep-ing through files trying to trace function calls, you can just ask “How does this module communicate with the database?” and get an actual explanation.
Inline Editing (Cmd+K)
This one’s simple but useful. Highlight any chunk of code, press Cmd+K, and tell Cursor what you want to change about just that section.
Things I use it for constantly:
– “Convert this to async/await”
– “Add error handling here”
– “Make this TypeScript-friendly”
– “Add comments explaining what this does”
It’s faster than doing it yourself, and honestly, the results are usually cleaner than what I’d write on the first try.
Terminal Help
Cursor can also help with terminal commands, which is surprisingly useful. Stuck trying to remember that specific git command? Just ask. Need to write a bash script? Describe what you need, and Cursor will give you the commands.
This feature isn’t groundbreaking, but it saves those little moments where you’d otherwise tab over to Google or StackOverflow.
Let’s Talk About Pricing
Here’s what Cursor costs in 2025:
Is $20/Month Worth It?
Here’s how I think about it:
If you’re a professional developer working full-time, it’s almost definitely worth it. If Cursor saves you just one hour per week (and in my experience, it saves way more than that), you’ve already justified the cost. Your hourly rate probably makes $20 look pretty cheap.
If you’re a hobbyist, student, or learning to code, start with the free tier. 2,000 completions per month is actually plenty if you’re coding casually. Only upgrade if you find yourself hitting the limits and getting frustrated.
If you’re on a team, the Business plan at $40/user might make sense for the added security and management features. But honestly, most small teams will be fine with everyone on individual Pro plans.
Fast vs Slow Requests: What’s The Difference?
“Fast” requests get priority processing and respond in 1-3 seconds. “Slow” requests go into a queue and might take 10-30 seconds during busy times.
In practice, on the Pro plan, I rarely notice slowdowns. The 500 fast requests reset every month, and that’s been plenty for my workflow. Even when I hit slow requests, 10-15 seconds isn’t the end of the world.
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot: The Comparison Everyone Wants
Since a lot of people are trying to decide between these two, here’s my honest take:
| Feature | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| What it runs on | Standalone app (VS Code fork) | Extension for VS Code, JetBrains, etc. |
| AI models | Multiple options (Claude, GPT-4, etc.) | OpenAI only |
| Multi-file editing | Yes, and it’s really good | Limited, mostly single-file focus |
| Understanding your codebase | Sees the whole project | Mainly focused on current file |
| Cost | $20/month | $10/month (or $19 for business) |
| Best use case | Complex projects, refactoring, big changes | Simple autocomplete, smaller edits |
My take: If you mainly want autocomplete and occasional suggestions, Copilot at $10/month probably makes more sense. But if you want AI that truly understands your project and can handle complex, multi-file changes, the extra $10 for Cursor is worth it.
I switched from Copilot to Cursor about four months ago, and honestly, I can’t see myself switching back. The Composer feature alone is worth the price difference for the kind of work I do.
If you want a more detailed breakdown, check out our full Cursor vs GitHub Copilot comparison.
Who Should Actually Use This?
Cursor Makes Sense For
Professional developers working on anything remotely complex. If your project involves multiple interconnected files (and whose doesn’t?), Cursor’s ability to understand and modify your entire codebase is huge.
Full-stack developers. Jumping between frontend React code and backend Python? Cursor keeps context across both and doesn’t get confused when you switch gears.
People learning new frameworks. Having an AI that can explain what code does and suggest better approaches is like having a patient mentor available 24/7.
Solo developers and indie hackers. When you don’t have a team to bounce ideas off, Cursor fills some of that gap. It won’t replace code review, but it helps you move faster and catch obvious issues.
Cursor Probably Isn’t For
Complete beginners still learning the fundamentals. If you’re just learning to code, relying on AI to write everything can prevent you from actually understanding what’s happening. Use it sparingly until you’re comfortable writing code yourself.
People on tight budgets. Twenty dollars a month isn’t huge, but it adds up. If that’s a significant expense for you, stick with the free tier or explore free alternatives.
Teams with strict security requirements. While Cursor offers privacy modes, if you’re working on highly sensitive code that absolutely can’t be sent to external servers, you’ll need to carefully evaluate their security policies (or look into their enterprise options).
Problems and Limitations You Should Know About
Let me be real about where Cursor falls short.
The AI Makes Mistakes
Like any AI tool, Cursor sometimes “hallucinates”—it generates code that looks plausible but doesn’t actually work. Or it misunderstands what you asked for and gives you something close but not quite right.
The lesson: Always read the diff before accepting changes. Don’t just blindly click “accept” because the AI suggested it. This takes discipline, but it’s necessary.
Some Extensions Don’t Play Nice
While most VS Code extensions work fine, I’ve run into occasional weird conflicts, especially with certain language servers. Usually, these are minor annoyances, but it’s something to be aware of.
There’s Definitely a Learning Curve
To really get the most out of Cursor, you need to learn its specific workflows—how to use Composer effectively, when to use @-mentions to give context, and how to structure your prompts. It’s not just “install and magically become more productive.”
Give yourself a week or two to get comfortable with it before deciding whether it’s worth keeping.
You Need an Internet Connection
All the AI features require an internet connection since the processing happens on remote servers. If you’re coding offline (on a plane, for example), you’re back to a basic text editor.
Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner
After three months of daily use, here’s what I’ve learned about getting the most out of Cursor:
1. Use Composer for anything touching multiple files. Don’t waste time manually editing five different files when Composer can coordinate all those changes in one shot.
2. Be specific when you prompt. Vague requests like “add authentication” get vague results. Better: “Add JWT authentication with refresh tokens using the existing User model and bcrypt for password hashing.”
3. Actually read the diffs. Yes, I’m mentioning this again because it’s that important. Cursor is helpful, not infallible. Spend 30 seconds reviewing what it changed.
4. Use @-mentions for better context. You can reference specific files with @filename to tell Cursor exactly what you’re talking about. This dramatically improves the quality of suggestions.
5. Try the free tier first. Seriously, don’t commit to Pro until you’ve used the free version for at least a week. Make sure it actually fits how you work.
My Final Verdict After 3 Months
After using Cursor pretty much every day since October, I can confidently say it’s the most capable AI code editor I’ve tried in 2025. The Composer feature really does set it apart from everything else out there.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I’m docking half a point because the AI isn’t perfect (it makes mistakes that can waste time if you don’t catch them), and there’s a real learning curve before you can use it effectively. But for developers who are willing to invest a bit of time learning how to use it properly, Cursor delivers on its promises.
My recommendation: Start with the free tier. Use it for a week on a real project—not a toy app, something you actually care about. Pay attention to whether you’re hitting the free tier limits and wishing you had more. If you find yourself doing that, the Pro plan is worth the $20.
For me, it’s been worth every penny. The time I save on refactoring and multi-file changes alone justifies the cost. But your mileage may vary depending on what kind of development you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cursor AI completely free to use?
Cursor offers a free “Hobby” tier that includes 2,000 completions per month and 50 slow premium requests. This is enough to get a real feel for the tool and for light usage. However, if you code regularly, you’ll probably want to upgrade to Pro eventually.
Is Cursor actually better than GitHub Copilot?
For multi-file editing and understanding your entire codebase, yes—Cursor is significantly better. The Composer feature and full project context give it a real edge. That said, Copilot is half the price ($10/month vs $20/month), so if you only need basic autocomplete, Copilot might be the smarter choice.
Will my VS Code extensions work in Cursor?
Most of them, yes. Since Cursor is built on the same foundation as VS Code, the majority of extensions work without issues. However, some extensions (particularly certain language servers) may have compatibility problems. Test your must-have extensions during the free trial before committing.
Can I use Cursor without an internet connection?
You can use it as a basic text editor offline, but all the AI features require an internet connection. The AI processing happens on remote servers, so if you’re offline, you lose most of what makes Cursor special.
Is my code safe when using Cursor?
Cursor offers a Privacy Mode that prevents your code from being stored or used for AI training. For particularly sensitive projects, you should review their privacy policy and potentially consider their Business plan, which includes additional security features. But for most projects, the standard privacy protections should be fine.
Can I cancel the Pro subscription anytime?
Yes, it’s a standard monthly subscription with no long-term commitment. Cancel whenever you want, and you’ll keep access until the end of your billing period.
Which AI models can I use with Cursor?
Cursor supports multiple models, including Claude (both 3.5 Sonnet and Opus), GPT-4, GPT-4o, and several others. Pro users can switch between models depending on what works best for different tasks. This flexibility is one of Cursor’s biggest advantages over tools that lock you into a single provider.
Related Articles
- Cursor vs GitHub Copilot: Complete Comparison
- Cursor vs Windsurf: Which AI IDE Should You Choose?
- How to Use Cursor AI: Beginner’s Guide
- Best AI Code Editors in 2025
