Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
GitHub Copilot ($10/month, free tier with limited completions) autocompletes code across five major IDEs; Cursor (Pro $20/month, free Hobby plan) is a dedicated AI-first editor with an agent that has full codebase context. Copilot for IDE-wide completion in your existing editor; Cursor for agentic, codebase-aware workflows.
| Pricing | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 20 USD | 10 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | VS Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, Eclipse, JetBrains, Web |
Cursor — Pros
- AI agent with codebase context
- Uses VS Code extensions and keybindings
- Free Hobby plan with limited requests
GitHub Copilot — Pros
- Code completion in five major IDEs
- Free tier with 2,000 completions per month
- Choice of underlying language model
Cursor — Cons
- Pro plan $20/mo with on-demand billing
- Proprietary, not open-source
GitHub Copilot — Cons
- Requires a GitHub account
- Free tier has monthly completion limits
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is Cursor cheaper than GitHub Copilot?
Cursor starts at 20 USD (checked 2026-09-03); GitHub Copilot starts at 10 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do Cursor and GitHub Copilot have a free plan?
Both Cursor and GitHub Copilot offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does Cursor vs GitHub Copilot support?
Cursor is available on macOS, Windows, Linux. GitHub Copilot is available on VS Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, Eclipse, JetBrains, Web.
Are Cursor and GitHub Copilot in the same category?
Yes. Both Cursor and GitHub Copilot are classified as development tools.