Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Cursor logo

Open source Cursor alternatives

Top AI Coding Assistants like Cursor

The most popular alternative to Cursor is Visual Studio Code, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Cursor are Zed.

Most alternatives to Cursor are in the AI Coding Assistants category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Cursor alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
2 apps

All Cursor alternatives

  1. Visual Studio Code

    193.6Kstars

    Visual Studio Code is a free source code editor from Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the browser. It combines IntelliSense completion, a built-in debugger, Git tools and an integrated terminal with a large extensions marketplace. It is built on the MIT-licensed Code - OSS project and integrates GitHub Copilot for AI chat and agent workflows.

    12 Visual Studio Code alternatives

    Pros

    • Huge extensions marketplace for almost any language or tool
    • Integrated terminal, debugger and Git tools
    • Remote development over SSH, in containers and with WSL

    Cons

    • Official builds include Microsoft telemetry and proprietary components
    • As an Electron app it uses more memory than native editors
    • Large extension setups can slow it down
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about Visual Studio Code

  2. Zed

    91.6Kstars

    Zed is a code editor written in Rust by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, with a GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects. It includes multiplayer editing, an agent panel that works with several AI models, edit predictions, Git tools, remote development over SSH and an extensions registry. Zed is open source under the GPL and runs on macOS, Linux and Windows; paid plans cover hosted AI usage.

    12 Zed alternatives

    Pros

    • GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects
    • Built-in multiplayer editing and an agent panel for several AI models
    • Open source under the GPL

    Cons

    • Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
    • Some IDE features are less mature than in established editors
    • Hosted AI usage requires a paid plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEsAI Coding Assistants
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionExtensions marketplaceGit integrationReal-time collaborationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about Zed

Cursor vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Cursor, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Cursor vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAutonomous coding agentChat with your codebaseCode completionExtensions marketplaceTerminal integration
CursorFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux
Visual Studio CodeFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux
ZedFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Cursor alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Cursor?

The most popular alternative to Cursor is Visual Studio Code: Free, extensible code editor from Microsoft for most languages. Other great alternatives are Zed.

Is there a free alternative to Cursor?

Yes, 2 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Visual Studio Code and Zed.

Is there an open source alternative to Cursor?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Visual Studio Code and Zed.

Is Cursor free?

Cursor has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Cursor with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it