Cursor is left over price per seat and over how much of the codebase it decides to send to a model.
If your concern is data, look for local or self-hosted inference. If it is cost, look at editors that bundle a fixed number of requests.
Side by side
| Tool | Pricing | Best for | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio Code | Free | A developer who wants one free editor for Python, TypeScript, and remote server work. | macOS, Windows, Linux |
The options, and what each one costs you
- Better if
- A developer who wants one free editor for Python, TypeScript, and remote server work.
- You give up
- Extension quality varies enormously, and a heavy extension load noticeably slows startup.
Frequently asked
What is the best alternative to Cursor?
It depends on what you are leaving for. If your concern is data, look for local or self-hosted inference. If it is cost, look at editors that bundle a fixed number of requests. Our closest match on features and price is Visual Studio Code.
Is there a free alternative to Cursor?
Visual Studio Code is free to start.
How much does switching from Cursor cost?
Migration is usually the expensive part, not the licence: exports rarely preserve permissions, history or automations. Budget a day per active workspace for anything with a database in it.
How we picked
Every tool here is in our Developer Tools directory, which means we have used it and written down where it falls short. Nothing on this page is sponsored, and the order is not for sale.