Choose Claude Code for terminal-native repository work; choose Cursor when the editor is the center of your day.
Claude Pro $20/mo; Max from $100/mo
Claude Code is Anthropic's coding agent for repository-scale engineering work. It reads files, edits code, runs commands, and coordinates subagents from the terminal, supported IDEs, the Claude desktop app, or a browser. Its strongest fit is a Claude-centered workflow that needs configurable permissions, persistent project instructions, and integrations with development infrastructure.
Read the full tool writeup →Cursor Pro $20/mo
Cursor is a VS Code-based editor that combines tab completion, inline edits, repository-aware agents, and delegated cloud agents in one interface. It is the strongest fit here for developers who want AI embedded in a graphical editor rather than centered on a terminal. The tradeoff is a more complicated usage model: cost depends on the plan, selected model, included usage pools, and optional on-demand usage.
Read the full tool writeup →Choose Claude Code for terminal-native repository work; choose Cursor when the editor is the center of your day.
Use the subscriptions guide to check current limits and the coding-agent guide for the wider field. Prices are checked 2026-09-02.