What each tool does
Cursor is a coding environment centred on AI agents. You hand off tasks, and the agent plans, reads documentation and writes code, then presents the work for review. It comes as a desktop app and a command-line tool, with enterprise plans and demos for larger teams.
Cline is an open-source coding agent runtime. It works in VS Code and other editors, in the terminal via a CLI, as a native desktop app for macOS and Windows, or inside your own products with its SDK. Plan and Act modes let you check an approach before changes are made, and it supports MCP integration and a choice of models.
Key differences
- Openness: Cline is open source; Cursor is a commercial product.
- Where it lives: Cursor is its own editor; Cline plugs into editors you already use, plus the terminal and desktop.
- Models: Cline gives you a choice over which models it uses; Cursor manages this within its product.
- Extensibility: Cline offers MCP integration and an embeddable SDK; Cursor offers enterprise options for teams.
- Pricing: both are freemium, though Cline costs can also depend on the models you connect.
Which should you choose?
Choose Cursor if you want a polished, all-in-one editor built around agents and are happy to switch editors.
Choose Cline if you prefer to stay in VS Code or another editor, like open-source tools, or want control over models and integrations.
Paid usage is generally billed in USD by card; check the pricing page for current plans.
Can you use both?
Some developers try both, but they cover similar ground. Pick the one whose workflow suits you rather than paying for two agents.
