The AI code editor market has grown significantly over the past few years. According to a Mordor Intelligence report, the market stands at USD 7.37 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 23.97 billion by 2030, growing at a 26.60% CAGR. This growth mirrors what we're seeing in AI testing tools transforming software QA, where automation is reshaping how developers work.
When comparing Cursor vs Codeium, developers often wonder which tool will deliver real value. The JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Survey 2025 found that 85% of developers regularly use AI tools for coding, with 62% relying on at least one AI coding assistant or code editor. Both Cursor and Codeium (now branded as Windsurf) have captured significant attention in this space. But they take different approaches to help developers write code faster.
This guide breaks down the key differences between these two popular options. You will learn about their features, pricing structures, IDE support, and capabilities to make an informed choice.
TL;DR: Cursor vs Codeium/Windsurf at a Glance
Aspect | Cursor | Windsurf (ex-Codeium) |
Price | $20/month (Pro) | $15/month (Pro) |
IDE | VS Code fork only | 40+ IDEs supported |
Best For | Solo devs, small projects | Teams, large codebases |
Speed | Faster for quick edits | Better on big repos |
Self-Hosting | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Free Tier | 2,000 completions/month | Unlimited autocomplete |
Choose Cursor if you use VS Code and want hands-on control over AI suggestions. Choose Codeium/Windsurf if you need IDE flexibility, lower pricing, or enterprise self-hosting options.
What is Cursor and How Does It Work?
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built by Anysphere. The tool started as a fork of Visual Studio Code and has grown into a full development environment with AI at its core. For a deeper dive into its capabilities, check out our complete guide on Cursor AI features and use cases.
The editor looks familiar to anyone who has used VS Code. Your themes, keybindings, and extensions transfer over with minimal effort. But Cursor adds AI features directly into the editing experience. The AI can read your entire codebase, suggest multi-file changes, and explain complex logic in plain language.
Key characteristics of Cursor include:
Built on VS Code architecture with full extension support
Multi-file editing capabilities through Composer mode
Tab completion that suggests code based on project context
Background agents that can run tasks in parallel
Support for multiple AI models, including GPT-4.5, Claude Sonnet 4.5, and others
Bugbot add-on for AI-assisted pull request reviews
Privacy mode for sensitive codebases
Cursor focuses on giving developers granular control over AI suggestions. When the AI proposes changes, you see a clear diff view and decide what to apply. This approach works well for developers who want AI assistance while maintaining oversight of their code.
What is Codeium (Windsurf) and What Makes It Different?
Codeium launched as a free AI code assistant and has since evolved into Windsurf, a complete AI-native IDE. The company rebranded fully from Codeium to Windsurf in April 2025.
Windsurf takes a different path from Cursor. The tool can function both as a standalone IDE and as a plugin for existing editors. You can install Codeium extensions for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Vim, Neovim, and other popular development environments.
Key characteristics of Codeium/Windsurf include:
Works as both a standalone IDE and a plugin for existing editors
Cascade agent for autonomous multi-file operations
Fast autocomplete with proprietary SWE-1 models
Broad IDE coverage (40+ editors supported)
Free tier with generous usage limits
Enterprise deployment options, including self-hosting
SOC 2 Type 2 compliance certification
Zero-day data retention options for privacy
The Cascade feature sets Windsurf apart from basic code completion tools. Cascade builds a graph of your entire repository and can trace how different files connect. When you ask it to refactor a module, it checks where that module gets imported and proposes coordinated changes across multiple files.
How Do Cursor and Codeium Compare for Daily Coding?
The way you interact with an AI code editor matters for productivity. Both Cursor and Codeium offer code completion, chat interfaces, and multi-file editing. But the experience differs in many ways.
Cursor Daily Workflow:
Tab completion appears as you type with project-wide context
CMD+L opens chat for questions about your code
CMD+K triggers inline code generation
Composer (CMD+I) handles complex multi-file operations
Agent mode can explore repositories, read documentation, and run terminal commands
All changes appear as diffs you review before applying
The tool maintains the familiar editing experience and adds AI capabilities on top. Developers who prefer direct control over their workflow often appreciate this approach. Learn how to get the most out of it with advanced Cursor prompts and pro workflows.
Codeium/Windsurf Daily Workflow:
Supercomplete provides fast inline suggestions
Write mode in chat can create and modify files directly
Cascade maintains awareness of your recent actions
The tool can watch you rename a variable and help update it everywhere
Read-only mode lets you explore code without making changes
Natural language commands translate to terminal operations
Windsurf operates with more autonomy than Cursor. When you describe what you want to build, Cascade can create files, set up configurations, and make changes without waiting for approval on each step. Some developers find that this speeds up their work. Others prefer the step-by-step control the Cursor provides.
A Qodo analysis noted that Cursor excels for solo developers who prioritize speed and fast prototyping within VS Code, while Windsurf suits teams working with large, complex codebases that need deeper multi-file understanding.
Which Tool Has Better Context Awareness?
AI code editors become useful only when they understand your project structure. A tool that generates generic suggestions can waste your time. Context awareness determines how relevant the AI responses will be.
How Cursor Handles Context?
Indexes your entire repository for reference
Uses @mentions to include specific files in prompts
The @folders feature can add entire directories to the context
Tab completion considers open files and recent edits
Composer reads across your project for multi-file operations
Custom rules let you define project-specific behavior
Cursor builds context through a combination of indexing and user direction. You can guide the AI by mentioning specific files or folders. This works well when you know exactly which parts of your codebase relate to your current task.
How Codeium/Windsurf Handles Context?
Cascade creates a repository graph showing file relationships
Fast Context feature retrieves relevant code 10x faster than standard models
SWE-grep subagent searches codebases with parallel tool calls
Flow awareness tracks your development session actions
Codemaps provide visual navigation of code structure
Context persists across multiple interactions
Windsurf invests in automatic context retrieval. The tool tries to find relevant code without requiring explicit mentions. This approach helps when working with unfamiliar codebases where you might not know which files to reference.
An Augment Code feature comparison noted that Windsurf often finds the right file on the first attempt, while Cursor sometimes needs additional keywords to locate the correct context. Performance varies based on project structure and repository size.
Is Cursor Faster Than Codeium?
Speed matters for AI code editors. Slow suggestions interrupt your flow and reduce the benefit of using AI assistance. Both tools have invested in reducing latency. If you want to maximize speed with Cursor, check out our guide on how to boost your productivity with Cursor.
Cursor Performance Characteristics:
Fast Tab completion appears while typing
Supermaven integration (optional) adds extra speed
Composer generates responses in 12-15 seconds for complex tasks
Background agents run without blocking your main editing
Works well with codebases under 15,000 lines
May experience slowdowns with very large repositories (400,000+ files)
Codeium/Windsurf Performance Characteristics:
SWE-1.5 model achieves 950 tokens per second
Fast Context retrieves relevant code in under 4 turns
Optimized for sub-100ms time to first token
Handles larger codebases with consistent performance
Cascade responses take 15-20 seconds for complex operations
May feel slower than Cursor for simple completions
How Much Does Cursor Cost Compared to Codeium?
Pricing structures differ significantly between these tools. Understanding the full cost helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise charges.
Cursor Pricing Plans:
Hobby (Free): 2,000 code completions per month, 50 slow requests, two-week Pro trial
Pro ($20/month): Unlimited Tab completions, Auto model selection, $20 credit pool for advanced models
Pro+ ($60/month): Three times the credits and limits of Pro
Ultra ($200/month): Twenty times the credits, early access to new features
Teams ($40/user/month): Pro features plus SSO, admin controls, 500 agent requests per user
Enterprise: Custom pricing with pooled usage and audit logs
Bugbot: $40/user/month add-on for AI pull request reviews
Cursor moved to usage-based pricing in June 2025. Your $20 monthly Pro fee includes a credit pool that depletes based on which models you use. GPT-4.5 consumes approximately $2 per request from your pool, heavy users of advanced models may burn through credits quickly. Overages are charged at raw API rates.
Codeium/Windsurf Pricing Plans:
Free: Unlimited autocomplete, basic features, limited credits for advanced operations
Pro ($15/month): Unlimited usage of SWE-1 models, access to GPT-4 and Claude models
Teams ($30/user/month): Team management tools, shared configurations
Enterprise ($60/user/month): SSO, self-hosting options, advanced compliance features
Windsurf costs $5 less per month at the individual level and $10 less per user at the team level. The company emphasizes unlimited usage of its proprietary models, which can alleviate cost anxiety for developers who heavily utilize AI features.
For teams evaluating Cursor vs Codeium pricing, the annual savings with Windsurf add up. A 10-person team saves $1,200 per year choosing Windsurf Teams over Cursor Teams at the listed rates.
Can I Use Cursor or Codeium With My Preferred IDE?
Your choice of development environment shapes which AI code editor makes sense. Some developers cannot or will not switch to a different IDE.
Cursor IDE Support:
Standalone application (VS Code fork)
Requires switching from your current editor
Full VS Code extension compatibility
Existing themes and keybindings transfer
Mac, Windows, and Linux support
No plugin versions for other IDEs
Cursor asks developers to adopt a new editor. For VS Code users, this transition feels natural. For developers using JetBrains products, Vim, or other editors, switching means learning new workflows and potentially losing customizations.
Codeium/Windsurf IDE Support:
Standalone Windsurf IDE available
Plugins for 40+ development environments
VS Code extension with full feature support
JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc.)
Vim and Neovim integration
Sublime Text, Emacs, and others
Browser-based development tools
Codeium's plugin approach lets developers stay in their preferred environment. A team split across JetBrains, VS Code, and terminal editors can standardize on Codeium without forcing everyone to switch tools. This flexibility appeals to organizations with diverse development preferences.
Which Tool is Better for Enterprise Security?
Enterprise adoption requires specific security controls, deployment options, and compliance certifications. Both tools offer enterprise tiers, but their capabilities differ.
Cursor Enterprise Features:
SSO/SAML authentication
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Privacy mode that wipes prompts
Pooled usage across organization
Admin controls for model selection
Usage analytics and reporting
AI code tracking API with audit logs
Cloud-based deployment only
Cursor Enterprise provides standard corporate controls for authentication and access management. The platform operates as a cloud service with privacy mode available for sensitive projects. Organizations requiring on-premises deployment will not find that option with Cursor.
Codeium/Windsurf Enterprise Features:
SOC 2 Type 2 certification
Self-hosting and VPC deployment options
Air-gapped installation for secure environments
Zero-day data retention configuration
HIPAA and FedRAMP-compatible deployments
Enterprise key management
Advanced admin controls
On-premises licensing available
Windsurf offers deployment flexibility that Cursor does not match. Banks, healthcare organizations, and government agencies often require on-premises installations. Windsurf supports these use cases with self-hosted options and relevant compliance certifications.
Should I Choose Cursor or Codeium for My Project?
Different developers and teams have different needs. Here is guidance based on common situations.
Choose Cursor if you:
Already use VS Code and want a minimal learning curve
Work primarily on web applications with JavaScript, TypeScript, or Python
Prefer reviewing and approving each AI change
Need fine-grained control over multi-file edits
Want the optional Bugbot feature for PR reviews
Work with codebases under 15,000 lines
Can commit to a single AI-native editor
Choose Codeium/Windsurf if you:
Use JetBrains, Vim, Neovim, or other non-VS Code editors
Need to standardize AI tools across diverse IDE preferences
Work with large, complex codebases
Want lower pricing at both individual and team tiers
Require self-hosting or on-premises deployment
Operate in regulated industries needing compliance certifications
Prefer autonomous AI that handles multi-step tasks independently
For teams making this decision:
Homogeneous VS Code teams may find Cursor's focused experience valuable
Heterogeneous IDE environments favor Codeium's plugin approach
Compliance-sensitive organizations should evaluate Windsurf's enterprise features
Cost-conscious teams should calculate annual savings from pricing differences
Try both tools with a real project before committing
Still exploring options? See how Cursor stacks up against Cline, Claude Code and GitHub Copilot, or browse our list of top 10 Cursor alternatives.
What Are the Latest Updates for Cursor and Windsurf?
The AI code editor space moves quickly. Both tools have shipped significant updates recently.
Cursor Updates:
Cursor 2.0 introduced Composer as a proprietary coding model
Multi-agent interface allowing up to eight AI agents on different tasks
Background agents (beta) run in remote environments
Tab model now suggests changes across multiple files
Syntax highlighting added to completion suggestions
Windsurf Updates:
Full rebrand from Codeium to Windsurf completed in April 2025
Fast Context feature with SWE-grep for rapid code retrieval
Cascade 2.0 is in development with multi-agent collaboration
SWE-1.5 model with significant speed improvements
AI-powered Codemaps for visual code navigation
Both companies continue investing in agentic capabilities. Cursor focuses on parallel agent execution within its editor. Windsurf builds toward multi-agent systems where different agents handle different aspects of development tasks.
Final Thoughts
The Cursor vs Codeium decision depends on your specific workflow, team composition, and requirements. Neither tool is universally better. Each excels in different scenarios.
Cursor delivers a polished AI-native editing experience for developers comfortable with VS Code who want direct control over AI suggestions. The tool generates fast completions and provides clear visibility into proposed changes.
Codeium/Windsurf offers broader IDE support, lower pricing, and enterprise deployment options that Cursor lacks. The tool suits teams with diverse editor preferences and organizations with strict compliance requirements.
Both represent significant advances over basic autocomplete tools. The Stack Overflow 2025 Developer Survey, as reported by MIT Technology Review, found that 65% of developers now use AI coding tools at least weekly. As these tools mature, the productivity benefits become more tangible.
Consider testing both with your actual codebase before deciding. Most developers form strong preferences after a week of regular use. Your workflow matters more than feature lists when choosing the right AI code editor.
For more AI coding tool comparisons, explore our blog on Codex vs Claude Code and the best vibe coding tools for developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Cursor and Codeium?
Cursor is a standalone code editor based on VS Code. You have to switch to it completely. Codeium (now called Windsurf) works as both a standalone editor and a plugin for 40+ IDEs like JetBrains, Vim, and VS Code. Cursor gives you more control over AI suggestions. Codeium works more automatically and costs $5 less per month.
Which is better than Cursor AI?
It depends on your needs. Codeium/Windsurf is better if you want lower pricing, more IDE options, or enterprise self-hosting. Claude Code is better if you prefer terminal-based coding. GitHub Copilot is better if you want deep GitHub integration. For VS Code users who want hands-on control, Cursor remains a top choice.
Should I use Cursor or VS Code?
If you want AI built into your editor, use Cursor. It looks and feels like VS Code but adds AI features like Composer, tab completions, and background agents. If you prefer a lighter setup or want to pick your own AI extensions, stick with VS Code. Cursor is essentially VS Code plus AI, so the switch is easy.
Which is better, Cursor or Cline?
Cursor is better for developers who want a full AI-native editor with visual diff views and multi-file editing. Cline is better if you want to stay in VS Code and use AI as an extension. Cursor costs $20/month while Cline uses your own API keys. For deep IDE integration, choose Cursor. For flexibility and lower cost, choose Cline. Read our full Cline vs Cursor comparison for more details.
Can I use Cursor with JetBrains IDEs?
No. Cursor is a standalone editor based on VS Code. It does not offer plugins for JetBrains IDEs like IntelliJ, PyCharm, or WebStorm. If you use JetBrains products, Codeium/Windsurf is a better option as it supports 40+ IDEs, including all JetBrains editors.
Which is better for large codebases: Cursor or Codeium?
Codeium/Windsurf generally handles larger codebases better. Its Cascade feature creates a repository graph for deeper context understanding, and the Fast Context retrieval system maintains performance on big projects. Cursor works well with codebases under 15,000 lines, but may slow down on very large repositories.
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