AI code editors and agent-first tools compared
Looking for Cursor alternatives? Whether you want a lower price point, different AI models, open-source options, or a completely different approach to AI-assisted development, there are strong options in 2025. Here's the complete breakdown.
| Tool | Type | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OrbitFeatured | Agent-first UDE | Free (beta) | Founders, vibe coders, building from scratch |
| Windsurf | AI IDE | Free / $15 Pro | Cursor alternative at lower price |
| GitHub Copilot | IDE Extension | $10-19/mo | Existing IDE users, enterprise |
| Cline | Open Source | Free + API costs | Privacy-conscious, self-hosted |
| Continue | Open Source | Free | Local models, customization |
| Bolt.new | Web-based | Free tier | Quick prototypes, web apps |
| Lovable | Vibe coding | Usage-based | Non-technical builders |
Orbit
FeaturedType
Agent-first UDE
Pricing
Free (beta)
Best For
Founders, vibe coders, building from scratch
Windsurf
Type
AI IDE
Pricing
Free / $15 Pro
Best For
Cursor alternative at lower price
GitHub Copilot
Type
IDE Extension
Pricing
$10-19/mo
Best For
Existing IDE users, enterprise
Cline
Type
Open Source
Pricing
Free + API costs
Best For
Privacy-conscious, self-hosted
Continue
Type
Open Source
Pricing
Free
Best For
Local models, customization
Bolt.new
Type
Web-based
Pricing
Free tier
Best For
Quick prototypes, web apps
Lovable
Type
Vibe coding
Pricing
Usage-based
Best For
Non-technical builders
Not another AI code editor. A completely different approach to building software.
Traditional (Cursor)
You code, AI assists
Write code → Get suggestions → Accept/reject → Repeat
Agent-First (Orbit)
You direct, AI builds
Describe what you want → AI agents build it → Review & refine
Multi-Model
Claude, GPT, Gemini
All-in-One
Editor + Browser + Deploy
Zero Config
Start instantly
Purpose-Built
Not a VS Code fork
Built by Codeium, Windsurf is a VS Code fork with deep AI integration. It offers a similar experience to Cursor at a lower price point, with features like Cascade (agentic coding) and AI Flows (automated workflows).
Pricing: Free tier, Pro $15/month
Best for: Developers who want a Cursor-like experience at a lower price. See Orbit vs Windsurf comparison →
The original AI coding assistant with over 1 million users. Works as an extension in your existing IDE (VS Code, JetBrains, etc.). Battle-tested and enterprise-ready with compliance features.
Pricing: $10/month individual, $19/month business
Best for: Enterprise users and developers who want minimal workflow change. See Orbit vs Copilot comparison →
Formerly known as Claude Dev, Cline is an open-source VS Code extension that gives you agentic coding capabilities using your own API keys. Full transparency and control over your AI coding assistant.
Pricing: Free (pay for API usage)
Best for: Privacy-conscious developers who want full control and transparency.
An open-source AI coding assistant that works with local models (via Ollama) or cloud providers. Highly customizable with support for custom prompts, context providers, and slash commands.
Pricing: Free
Best for: Privacy advocates and developers who want local-first AI with full customization.
Built by StackBlitz, Bolt.new lets you describe an app and get a working full-stack application instantly in your browser. No local setup required— everything runs in WebContainers.
Pricing: Free tier, paid plans for more usage
Best for: Quick prototypes and web-based development without local setup. See Orbit vs Bolt comparison →
A vibe coding platform designed for non-technical users. Describe what you want in natural language and get working applications. Very beginner-friendly with a focus on design-forward output.
Pricing: Usage-based
Best for: Non-technical founders and complete beginners who want fast results.
The best choice depends on what you're looking for:
Cursor is an excellent tool, but it's not the only option. The AI coding space is evolving rapidly, and 2025 brings genuine alternatives for every use case and budget.
The biggest shift is from AI-assisted coding (Cursor, Copilot) to agent-first development (Orbit). Instead of AI helping you type faster, agents handle entire features while you direct. It's a different paradigm that's worth exploring.
The best choice depends on your workflow, budget, and how you want to work with AI. Many developers use multiple tools—autocomplete for quick edits, agents for bigger builds.
Orbit is free during beta. See what it's like when AI builds while you direct.