Cursor centers its own VS Code-based editor, while GitHub Copilot moves into existing IDEs and GitHub. Both add chat, agents, model choice, and MCP to code completion.
When to pick which
Choose Cursor when you want to move to a VS Code-based editor shaped around AI work and keep Agent, Composer, Cloud Agents, and review in one interface. Choose GitHub Copilot when VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains, Xcode, Eclipse, or Neovim should remain in place and pull requests, code review, and cloud agents need tight GitHub integration. Both offer several model families, so the model name alone is rarely a purchase reason. Copilot Pro starts at $10 per month, while Cursor Pro starts at $20. More important than entry price is what happens afterward: Copilot separates included completions from AI Credits, while Cursor uses two model pools and optional on-demand usage.
Differences at a glance
Cursor is its own VS Code-based editor and imports VS Code settings and extensions. Copilot runs across several existing IDEs.
Copilot connects editor work with GitHub pull requests, code review, and cloud agents. Cursor groups Agent, Composer, Cloud Agents, and Bugbot around the editor.
Free: Copilot lists 2,000 completions per month. Cursor Hobby lists limited Agent requests without a fixed number.
Paid: Copilot provides unlimited completions plus an AI Credit allowance. Cursor splits usage between Cursor Models and third-party models.
Copilot Pro also integrates third-party coding agents such as Claude Code and Codex. Cursor uses its own Cloud Agents and Bugbot reviews for delegated work.
Concrete use case: a large refactor inside an AI-centered editor fits Cursor. Delegating a GitHub issue and reviewing the pull request in your current IDE fits Copilot.
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Criterion
Cursor
GitHub Copilot
Free access
Free plan
Free plan
Paid from
Plus · 8 USDMonth
Pro · $10Month
Published plans by vendor
Each vendor separately. The same row does not mean the same plan. Prices follow the selected price region.
The cheaper paid entry is Cursor at 8 USD, against $10 for GitHub Copilot. That is the vendor's list price; regional prices can differ.
Can Cursor and GitHub Copilot be tried for free?
Cursor: Free plan. GitHub Copilot: Free plan.
Where are the vendors of Cursor and GitHub Copilot based?
Cursor: Anysphere, Inc., USA. GitHub Copilot: GitHub, Inc. (subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation), USA.
Are Cursor and GitHub Copilot listed in the same category?
Cursor is listed under the “Development & Code” category, GitHub Copilot under “Development & Code.”
How many pricing tiers do Cursor and GitHub Copilot offer?
Cursor documents 9 plans, GitHub Copilot documents 7 plans, each with price, billing period, and included features.
Where do the price and product details for Cursor and GitHub Copilot come from?
For Cursor and GitHub Copilot, prices, limits, and product details are each based on the current official vendor page. Missing values stay marked as not published rather than being estimated.
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