Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf: AI Coding Assistant Comparison
Compare the top AI coding assistants in 2026. Features, pricing, supported models, and which is best for different developer workflows.
Last updated: February 2026
Pricing Comparison
| Model | Provider | Input $/1M | Output $/1M | Context | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | Cursor Inc. | $20 | $0 | Varies by model | Varies by model |
| GitHub Copilot | GitHub / Microsoft | $10 | $0 | Varies by model | Varies by model |
| Windsurf | Cognition (formerly Codeium) | $15 | $0 | Varies by model | Varies by model |
Detailed Comparison
Cursor
Cursor Inc.
$20 / $0
per 1M tokens
Strengths
- + Tab completion + chat + agent modes
- + .cursorrules for project-specific AI behavior
- + Supports Claude, GPT, Gemini models
Best For
Full-featured AI-native IDE, multi-model flexibility
Context Window
Varies by model
Max Output
Varies by model
GitHub Copilot
GitHub / Microsoft
$10 / $0
per 1M tokens
Strengths
- + Deepest VS Code integration
- + GitHub ecosystem (PR reviews, issues)
- + Copilot Workspace for planning
Best For
VS Code users, GitHub-heavy workflows
Context Window
Varies by model
Max Output
Varies by model
Windsurf
Cognition (formerly Codeium)
$15 / $0
per 1M tokens
Strengths
- + Cascade agent for multi-file edits
- + .windsurfrules for custom behavior
- + Strong free tier available
Best For
Agent-style development, budget-conscious developers
Context Window
Varies by model
Max Output
Varies by model
Verdict
Cursor ($20/mo) offers the most features and model flexibility. GitHub Copilot ($10/mo) provides the best value and deepest GitHub integration. Windsurf ($15/mo) excels at agent-style multi-file editing. All three support custom AI rules files — generate yours with our AI Coding Rules Generator.
Calculate Your Costs
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, Cursor or GitHub Copilot?
Cursor costs $20/$0 per million tokens (input/output), while GitHub Copilot costs $10/$0. GitHub Copilot is cheaper for input.
Which has a larger context window?
Cursor supports Varies by model context, while GitHub Copilot supports Varies by model. Larger context windows allow processing more text in a single request.
Which should I choose for my project?
Cursor ($20/mo) offers the most features and model flexibility. GitHub Copilot ($10/mo) provides the best value and deepest GitHub integration. Windsurf ($15/mo) excels at agent-style multi-file editing. All three support custom AI rules files — generate yours with our AI Coding Rules Generator.