Should I switch from VS Code to Cursor?

If AI assistance is central to your workflow, yes. Cursor's native AI integration is significantly better than VS Code + Copilot. If you rarely use AI or need maximum stability, stay with VS Code.

Can I use my VS Code settings in Cursor?

Yes! Cursor imports your VS Code settings, themes, and most extensions automatically. The transition is usually smooth.

Is Cursor just VS Code with AI?

Cursor is a fork of VS Code, but AI is built into the core. Features like Composer and the AI chat are deeply integrated in ways that extensions can't replicate.

What about GitHub Copilot in VS Code?

Copilot in VS Code is good, but Cursor offers more: multi-file editing, better codebase understanding, and multiple model options. Copilot is single-model and extension-based.

Will my extensions work in Cursor?

Most extensions work fine. A few with deep VS Code integrations may have issues. Check the Cursor docs for known incompatibilities.

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VS Code vs Cursor: Should You Switch to an AI-Native IDE?

An in-depth comparison of VS Code and Cursor. We analyze features, AI capabilities, extensions, and help you decide if it's time to switch to an AI-native IDE.

Verdict: VS Code for stability and free usage, Cursor for AI-centric workflows

Quick Comparison

VS Code

Free

Best for

Developers who want a stable, extensible IDE with optional AI through extensions

Pros

Completely free and open source
Massive extension ecosystem
Battle-tested stability
Huge community support
Works with any AI via extensions

Cons

AI is an add-on, not native
Copilot integration less deep
No built-in multi-file AI editing
Extension conflicts possible

Visit VS Code

Cursor

$20/month (Pro)

Best for

Developers who want AI deeply integrated into every aspect of their IDE

Pros

AI-native architecture
Composer for multi-file editing
Multiple AI models (GPT-4, Claude)
Superior codebase understanding
Faster AI interactions

Cons

Monthly subscription cost
Some VS Code extensions may break
Requires workflow adjustment
Less mature than VS Code

Visit Cursor

The IDE Evolution: VS Code vs Cursor

VS Code has dominated development for years. Cursor represents the next evolution: AI-native IDEs. Should you make the switch?

TL;DR: Switch to Cursor if AI is central to your workflow. Stay with VS Code if you prioritize stability, free cost, or rarely use AI.

Philosophy: Extension vs Native

VS Code: AI as Extension

VS Code treats AI as an add-on:

Install Copilot or other AI extensions
AI features live in sidebar or inline suggestions
Extensions can't deeply modify the editor
Multiple extensions may conflict

Cursor: AI as Foundation

Cursor builds AI into the core:

Every feature designed with AI in mind
Multi-file editing with natural language
Codebase-wide understanding
Seamless model switching

Feature Comparison

Feature	VS Code	Cursor
Price	Free	$20/mo (Pro)
Extension ecosystem	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI integration depth	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Multi-file AI editing	❌	✅ (Composer)
Model selection	⭐⭐ (via extensions)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Codebase understanding	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Community size	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

The AI Experience Gap

VS Code + Copilot

Write code → Copilot suggests → Accept/reject → Repeat

Limited to:

Single-file suggestions
Inline completions
Separate chat panel
One AI model (GitHub's)

Cursor

Describe intent → Composer generates → Review multi-file changes → Apply

Enables:

Multi-file refactoring in one prompt
Deep codebase understanding
Multiple models (GPT-4, Claude, etc.)
Native chat with code context

When to Stay with VS Code

VS Code remains the right choice if:

Budget: You need free tools
Stability: Maximum reliability is essential
Extensions: You rely on niche extensions
AI-light: You rarely use AI assistance
Team: Your team standardizes on VS Code

When to Switch to Cursor

Cursor makes sense if:

AI-heavy workflow: You use AI constantly
Multi-file tasks: You refactor across files often
Model flexibility: You want GPT-4 + Claude options
Productivity: Time saved exceeds $20/month
Early adopter: You enjoy new tools

The Transition Experience

Most developers report:

Day 1: Some extension issues, learning Composer
Week 1: Productive, finding new AI workflows
Month 1: Can't imagine going back

Migration Checklist

✅ Settings import automatically
✅ Themes transfer over
✅ Most extensions work
⚠️ Check critical extensions first
⚠️ Expect learning curve with Composer

Cost Analysis

Scenario	VS Code	Cursor Pro
Tool cost	$0/mo	$20/mo
Copilot (optional)	$10/mo	Included
Time saved	Baseline	+5-10 hrs/mo*
Value	Good	Better if AI-heavy

*Based on reported developer productivity gains

The Verdict

There's no universal answer:

VS Code: Proven, free, stable—excellent choice
Cursor: AI-native, powerful—worth it for heavy AI users

The trend is clear: AI-native IDEs are the future. But VS Code with extensions is still viable today.

Get These Tools Free

Cursor offers a free tier. With Idlen, your earnings can cover Pro subscriptions:

Cursor Free: Complete Guide - What's included in Cursor's free tier
GitHub Copilot Free: Complete Guide - Alternative AI coding assistant

How to Use Cursor AI: Complete Guide - Learn Cursor from scratch
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot - IDE vs extension comparison
Vibecoding Guide 2026 - Build apps with AI
Best VS Code Extensions for AI Coding - If you stay with VS Code
Best AI Coding Assistants 2026 - Complete comparison

Pro tip: Idlen works with both VS Code and Cursor. Earn passive income in whichever IDE you choose. Get the extension →

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Install Idlen and earn passive income while using VS Code, Cursor, and other AI tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VS Code vs Cursor

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