Best Cursor Alternatives for AI Code Editor in 2026
Cursor revolutionised the AI code editor space by embedding powerful language models directly into a VS Code fork. However, its reliance on a specific editor shell and pricing model may not suit every developer. Whether you want tighter IDE integration, different AI models, or a more flexible workflow, these alternatives offer compelling options.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Windsurf | Free plan Pro $15/month, Team $30/user/month | 4.5 |
| Zed | Free plan AI features require your own API keys | 4.3 |
| JetBrains AI Assistant | Free plan AI Assistant add-on from $10/month | 4.2 |
| VS Code with Continue | Free plan Only costs for your chosen LLM API usage | 4.4 |
| Augment Code | Free plan Enterprise pricing on request | 4.1 |
Detailed Reviews
Windsurf
An AI-native code editor by Codeium that combines agentic coding flows with deep codebase awareness for a seamless editing experience.
Pros
- +Excellent agentic Cascade feature that handles multi-file edits autonomously
- +Strong free tier with generous completions
- +Built-in terminal command suggestions and execution
Cons
- -Smaller community compared to Cursor
- -Occasional latency with complex agentic workflows
- -Extension ecosystem still maturing
Pricing
Zed
A high-performance, multiplayer code editor with built-in AI assistant capabilities and native speed written in Rust.
Pros
- +Exceptionally fast performance thanks to Rust-based architecture
- +Built-in real-time collaboration features
- +Supports multiple AI providers including Claude and GPT
Cons
- -Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code-based editors
- -AI features less mature than dedicated AI editors
- -macOS and Linux only, no Windows support yet
Pricing
JetBrains AI Assistant
JetBrains' integrated AI assistant that adds intelligent code completion, generation, and refactoring to all JetBrains IDEs.
Pros
- +Deep integration with mature, language-specific JetBrains IDEs
- +Leverages existing project indexing for highly contextual suggestions
- +Works across all JetBrains products (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc.)
Cons
- -Requires a JetBrains IDE subscription on top of AI subscription
- -AI features trail behind dedicated AI editors in capability
- -Heavier resource usage than lightweight editors
Pricing
VS Code with Continue
An open-source AI coding extension for VS Code and JetBrains that lets you use any AI model for code assistance.
Pros
- +Fully open source with no vendor lock-in
- +Supports any LLM provider including local models via Ollama
- +Stays within your existing VS Code setup without forking
Cons
- -Requires more configuration than out-of-the-box solutions
- -Experience depends heavily on which model you choose
- -Inline editing less polished than Cursor's implementation
Pricing
Augment Code
An AI coding assistant designed for professional software teams, offering deep codebase understanding across large enterprise repositories.
Pros
- +Excellent at understanding massive, complex codebases
- +Strong context awareness across entire repositories
- +Purpose-built for enterprise-scale development workflows
Cons
- -More enterprise-focused, less suited for individual developers
- -Higher price point than consumer-oriented alternatives
- -Smaller user community and fewer public resources
Pricing
Our Verdict
For most developers looking to replace Cursor as their AI code editor, Windsurf is the strongest overall choice thanks to its agentic editing capabilities and generous free tier. If you value open-source flexibility and model choice, Continue is the pick. For teams already on JetBrains, their AI Assistant avoids the disruption of switching editors entirely.