Best Cursor Alternatives for Debugging in 2026
Cursor's ability to highlight errors and suggest fixes inline makes debugging faster, but it is fundamentally an editor, not a dedicated debugging tool. If you need deeper runtime analysis, smarter error tracking, or AI that can reason through complex bug chains, these purpose-built and AI-enhanced alternatives may serve you better.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | Free plan Usage-based API pricing | 4.7 |
| Sentry | Free plan Team $26/month, Business $80/month | 4.5 |
| Windsurf | Free plan Pro $15/month, Team $30/user/month | 4.3 |
| JetBrains AI Assistant | Free plan AI Assistant add-on from $10/month | 4.4 |
| Aider | Free plan Only costs for your chosen LLM API usage | 4.2 |
Detailed Reviews
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic coding tool that excels at methodical debugging, reading error traces, and systematically identifying root causes.
Pros
- +Outstanding at reasoning through complex error chains and stack traces
- +Can read files, run commands, and iteratively test fixes autonomously
- +Handles subtle logic bugs that simpler tools miss entirely
Cons
- -No visual debugger or breakpoint support
- -Terminal-based workflow may not suit all developers
- -API costs accumulate during lengthy debugging sessions
Pricing
Sentry
An application monitoring platform with AI-powered error analysis that automatically groups, prioritises, and suggests fixes for production errors.
Pros
- +Real-time production error tracking with rich context and stack traces
- +AI-powered issue grouping and root cause analysis
- +Integrates with virtually every language, framework, and deployment platform
Cons
- -Focused on production errors, not development-time debugging
- -Can generate alert fatigue without careful configuration
- -AI fix suggestions are basic compared to coding-focused AI tools
Pricing
Windsurf
An AI code editor with agentic debugging capabilities that can identify issues, propose fixes, and apply them across multiple files.
Pros
- +Cascade mode can autonomously trace and fix bugs across files
- +Inline error detection with contextual fix suggestions
- +Integrated terminal for running tests and verifying fixes
Cons
- -Debugging features similar to Cursor, may not justify switching
- -Agentic debugging occasionally follows wrong leads
- -No built-in visual debugger with breakpoints
Pricing
JetBrains AI Assistant
AI debugging assistance integrated with JetBrains' powerful built-in debugger, combining visual debugging with AI-powered analysis.
Pros
- +AI analysis layered on top of a world-class visual debugger
- +Can explain complex stack traces and suggest fixes in context
- +Breakpoint-based debugging with AI-enhanced variable inspection
Cons
- -Requires JetBrains IDE subscription plus AI add-on
- -AI suggestions occasionally conflict with debugger state
- -Heavier resource usage than lightweight alternatives
Pricing
Aider
An open-source terminal AI tool that can read error output, analyse your code, and iteratively apply fixes with automatic git commits.
Pros
- +Paste error messages directly and get contextual fixes applied to code
- +Git integration means every fix attempt is a reversible commit
- +Works with any LLM, letting you choose the best model for debugging
Cons
- -No visual debugging capabilities whatsoever
- -Terminal interface requires copy-pasting error output manually
- -Effectiveness depends heavily on which LLM you pair it with
Pricing
Our Verdict
Claude Code is the standout choice for debugging complex issues thanks to its superior reasoning about error chains and root causes. For production debugging, Sentry is indispensable and complements any AI coding tool. If you need a traditional debugger enhanced with AI, JetBrains AI Assistant is the only option here that pairs AI with proper breakpoint-based debugging.