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Cursor vs Windsurf

Two AI-native IDEs with different vibes. We focus on how they help you plan changes, generate diffs, and iterate.

Updated: September 17, 2025

TL;DR

Pick Cursor if…

  • Fast, iterative edits with clear diffs.
  • Modern web stack; you value speed.
  • Tight loop: ask → diff → apply → test → repeat.

Pick Windsurf if…

  • You like structured tasking and stepwise change plans.
  • Helpful guardrails on multi-file edits.
  • Prefer a slower, plan-first flow for safety.

Both are capable; the difference is vibe: fast diff-driven iteration vs. plan-then-apply.

Try them in 5 minutes

  1. Open your repo and describe a small task (one route/refactor/test).
  2. Ask for a diff, apply, run, and iterate in short steps.
  3. Repeat with the other IDE on the same task to feel the difference.

Cursor IDE

Top pick

Diff-first loop for rapid edits

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