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Cursor vs GitHub Copilot: Which AI Coding Tool?
Cursor is an AI-first code editor and coding agent from Anysphere, now part of SpaceX. GitHub Copilot adds suggestions, chat, an agent mode and a CLI to existing editors and github.com. The key difference: Cursor is its own editor, Copilot plugs into the one you already use.
The short answer
Pick Cursor if you want a dedicated AI editor with agents, a CLI and cloud agents, and are fine with Grok models on lower tiers. Pick GitHub Copilot if you want to stay in your current editor with deep GitHub integration and a wide model choice.
Side by sideCursor vs GitHub Copilot
| Cursor | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Anysphere (part of SpaceX) | GitHub (Microsoft) |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starts at | $8/month (Plus) | $10 per month (Pro) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | windows, macos, web, ios, android | web, ide-plugin, windows, macos, ios, android |
| Models used | Grok models (default Grok 4.7) plus third-party models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, and Cursor's own models | Multi-model: Claude (Sonnet/Opus/Haiku/Fable), GPT-5.x/GPT-6 family, Gemini 3.x/4 Argon, Grok 4.x, Kimi, Microsoft MAI-Code |
| Best for | Developers who want an AI-first desktop editor with agents, a CLI and cloud agents in one subscription. | Developers who already work in GitHub and want completions, chat and an agent inside their existing editor. |
Facts in this table come from the verified profile of each product.
Key differences
Plus $8/month, Premium $30, Super $100, Ultra $200, Teams $30+/user.
Pro $10/month, Pro+ $39, Max $100; Business and Enterprise prices not listed.
Limited AI usage, limited agent requests and limited Chat requests.
2,000 inline suggestions per month and limited chat and agent usage (FAQ: 50 chat requests); includes CLI and agent mode.
Grok models (default Grok 4.7), third-party models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, and Cursor's own models.
Claude, GPT-5.x/GPT-6, Gemini 3.x/4 Argon, Grok 4.x, Kimi and Microsoft MAI-Code.
Its own desktop editor on Windows and macOS, plus web; mobile availability not verified in detail.
Plugins for popular editors plus github.com, Windows, macOS and mobile via GitHub Mobile.
Plans bundle Grok chat, voice, image and API access.
Deep GitHub integration with issues, pull requests and code review.
Plus is limited to Grok models; third-party models need Premium or higher and are billed by usage.
Paid usage is metered in GitHub AI Credits (1 credit = $0.01); heavy agent use may need extra spend.
Choose Cursor if…
- You want an AI-first editor rather than a plugin.
- You want agents, a CLI and cloud agents in one subscription.
- You are happy using Grok models on the $8/month Plus plan.
- You also want Grok chat, voice and image features bundled.
Choose GitHub Copilot if…
- You want to keep your current editor and add AI to it.
- Your team works in GitHub issues, pull requests and code review.
- You want Claude, GPT and Gemini models on a $10/month plan.
- You need a free tier with 2,000 suggestions per month.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cursor cheaper than GitHub Copilot?
Cursor Plus costs $8/month and Copilot Pro $10/month. But Cursor Plus is limited to Grok models; third-party models need Premium ($30) or higher and are billed by usage. Copilot paid plans meter usage in GitHub AI Credits.
Can I use Claude or GPT models in Cursor and Copilot?
Yes in both, with conditions. Copilot lists Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok and other models. Cursor offers OpenAI, Anthropic and Google models on Premium or higher, billed at API list price.
What changed with Cursor after SpaceX?
SpaceX agreed in June 2026 to acquire Anysphere. Cursor's plans now bundle Grok and X features and are sold via X Subscription Corp., so older guides describing Hobby or Pro plans are out of date.
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