Comparison · Code editors and IDEs
Cursor vs Visual Studio Code: which is better in 2026?
Visual Studio Code ranks higher in our list of code editors and IDEs (#1 against #6, score 94.5 against 84.0).
- 84.0Editorial score94.5
- 3Platforms4
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Cursor if you want
Developers who want an AI-first editor.
AI code editor with agents, cloud runs and team controls, plus a free Hobby plan. It is a commercial editor you switch to, so teams that want to keep their current editor may prefer an extension.
Choose Visual Studio Code if you want
Multi-language work in one free editor.
Free, widely used and extensible, with an integrated terminal, Git tools and a large extension marketplace. Its source is MIT-licensed on GitHub, though the official build uses Microsoft's product license.
The main differences
- Only Visual Studio Code runs on Web.
- Visual Studio Code is open source; Cursor is not.
Side by side
 Cursor |  Visual Studio Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 94.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree Hobby plan with limits; Individual $20 a month; Teams $40 per user a month | FreeFree to download and use; official builds use Microsoft's product license |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux | WindowsmacOSLinuxWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Web |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Main focus | AI-first code editor | Many languages through extensions |
| Best for | Developers who want an AI-first editor | Multi-language work in one free editor |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Cursor vs Visual Studio Code
- Is Visual Studio Code better than Cursor?
- Visual Studio Code ranks higher in our list of code editors and IDEs (#1 against #6, score 94.5 against 84.0). Cursor is best for: developers who want an AI-first editor. Visual Studio Code is best for: multi-language work in one free editor.
- Which is cheaper, Cursor or Visual Studio Code?
- Cursor: Free Hobby plan with limits; Individual $20 a month; Teams $40 per user a month. Visual Studio Code: Free to download and use; official builds use Microsoft's product license.
- Do Cursor and Visual Studio Code run on the same platforms?
- Cursor supports macOS, Windows, Linux. Visual Studio Code supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Cursor and Visual Studio Code
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