Cursor vs Devin Desktop
Cursor and Devin Desktop are both AI editors built on VS Code, both free to start with a $20 a month Pro plan, and both let you choose between Claude, GPT and Gemini. Cursor is the safer default for everyday AI coding on any stack. Devin Desktop, formerly Windsurf, makes most sense if you came from Windsurf or already use Devin to run agents on whole tasks.
Updated September 18, 2026
Pick Cursor if
You want a proven AI editor for everyday coding on any stack, want to bring your own API key, or want Cursor's own models alongside Claude, GPT and Gemini.
More about Cursor
Pick Devin Desktop if
You are moving over from Windsurf, already use Devin for agent work, or want an agent built into the editor that takes on whole tasks.
More about Devin DesktopSide by side
| Fact | Cursor | Devin Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Category | IDEs | IDEs |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platform | macOS · Windows · Linux | macOS · Windows · Linux |
| Best for | Beginner | Beginner |
| Free plan | Hobby: a limited number of Agent requests and Tab completions | A usage allowance that refreshes daily and weekly |
| Paid plans from | $20 a month (Pro), including $20 of model usage | $20 a month (Pro) |
| Built on | A fork of VS Code, so most VS Code extensions work | A fork of VS Code; renamed from Windsurf in June 2026 |
| Models | Claude, GPT, Gemini and Cursor's own models | Not stated |
| Your own API key | Yes: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Azure and Bedrock | Not stated |
| Local models | No | Not stated |
| Good for | Everyday AI coding on any stack | People moving over from Windsurf, or already using Devin |
| Agent | Not stated | Devin Local, which replaced Cascade in July 2026 |