Best Cursor Alternatives for Code Refactoring in 2026
Cursor excels at AI-driven refactoring with its inline editing and multi-file change capabilities. But if you need refactoring that understands your entire project architecture, works within specialised IDEs, or provides more structured transformation workflows, these alternatives approach the problem from different angles.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Windsurf | Free plan Pro $15/month, Team $30/user/month | 4.4 |
| JetBrains AI Assistant | Free plan AI Assistant add-on from $10/month | 4.3 |
| Aider | Free plan Only costs for your chosen LLM API usage | 4.5 |
| Sourcegraph Cody | Free plan Pro $9/month, Enterprise custom | 4.2 |
| Claude Code | Free plan Usage-based API pricing | 4.6 |
Detailed Reviews
Windsurf
Codeium's AI code editor with Cascade, an agentic feature that autonomously handles complex multi-file refactoring operations.
Pros
- +Cascade mode handles multi-step refactoring workflows autonomously
- +Strong codebase awareness for consistent cross-file changes
- +Explains refactoring reasoning as it works
Cons
- -Agentic refactoring can occasionally make unintended changes
- -Less granular control over individual refactoring steps
- -Requires review of autonomous changes before accepting
Pricing
JetBrains AI Assistant
AI-powered refactoring built on top of JetBrains' industry-leading structural code analysis and refactoring engine.
Pros
- +Combines AI suggestions with JetBrains' proven safe refactoring tools
- +Language-aware refactoring that understands type systems deeply
- +Integrates with existing refactoring shortcuts and workflows
Cons
- -AI suggestions sometimes conflict with built-in refactoring tools
- -Requires JetBrains IDE subscription plus AI add-on
- -Heavier IDE may be overkill for lightweight projects
Pricing
Aider
An open-source AI pair programming tool that runs in your terminal and excels at making coordinated changes across multiple files.
Pros
- +Excellent at large-scale refactoring across many files simultaneously
- +Works with any LLM provider including local models
- +Git-aware with automatic commits for each change
Cons
- -Terminal-based interface is less visual than editor-based tools
- -Requires comfort with command-line workflows
- -No inline diff preview before applying changes
Pricing
Sourcegraph Cody
An AI coding assistant with deep codebase search and understanding, ideal for refactoring across large and complex repositories.
Pros
- +Unmatched codebase search and context retrieval across massive repos
- +Understands code relationships and dependencies before suggesting changes
- +Works as a VS Code extension or within Sourcegraph's web interface
Cons
- -Best features require Sourcegraph platform setup
- -Inline editing less polished than Cursor's implementation
- -Enterprise focus means solo developer experience is secondary
Pricing
Claude Code
Anthropic's terminal-based AI coding agent that handles complex refactoring tasks with strong reasoning and careful, methodical changes.
Pros
- +Exceptional reasoning about code structure and refactoring strategy
- +Methodical approach reduces risk of introducing bugs during refactoring
- +Handles complex architectural refactoring that simpler tools struggle with
Cons
- -Terminal-only interface with no visual editor integration
- -Can be slower than editor-based tools for simple refactoring
- -API costs can add up for extensive refactoring sessions
Pricing
Our Verdict
For complex, high-stakes refactoring, Claude Code's methodical reasoning makes it the safest choice. Aider wins on flexibility and cost for developers comfortable in the terminal. If you want refactoring within a familiar IDE experience, Windsurf's Cascade mode is the closest to Cursor's approach but with more autonomous capabilities. JetBrains AI is the pragmatic choice for teams already in that ecosystem.