You’re trying to figure out whether Cursor or VS Code works better for coding with AI assistance, and it feels like choosing between two powerful tools without a clear winner. This comparison matters because picking the right editor can dramatically speed up your development workflow and make AI coding features actually useful instead of frustrating.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Test Both Editors with Your Current Project
Download both Cursor and VS Code if you haven’t already. Open your current project in each editor for at least 30 minutes. Pay attention to how the AI suggestions appear, how quickly they load, and whether they actually understand your codebase context. This hands-on comparison beats reading a hundred reviews.
Step 2: Check Your Hardware Resources
Open your system monitor (Task Manager on Windows, Activity Monitor on Mac) while using each editor. Cursor tends to use more RAM because it runs AI models locally for some features. If your computer has less than 16GB RAM, VS Code with GitHub Copilot might perform better. Watch for CPU spikes during autocomplete suggestions.
Step 3: Configure AI Settings Properly
In Cursor, click the AI icon in the sidebar and adjust the model settings. Try switching between GPT-4 and Claude models to see which understands your coding style better. For VS Code, install the GitHub Copilot extension and go to Settings > Extensions > GitHub Copilot to enable inline suggestions and adjust the delay time.
Step 4: Test Specific AI Features You Need
Make a list of AI features you actually use: code completion, chat interface, refactoring, or debugging help. Cursor excels at full-file generation and chat-based coding, while VS Code with Copilot shines at line-by-line completions. Test each feature with real coding tasks from your daily work.
Step 5: Compare Monthly Costs
Calculate the real cost difference. Cursor Pro costs $20/month (as of January 2025) with unlimited AI usage. VS Code is free, but GitHub Copilot costs $10/month, and you might need additional AI extensions. Factor in whether your company reimburses these tools.
Step 6: Check Extension Compatibility
List your must-have VS Code extensions. While Cursor is built on VS Code’s foundation, some extensions might not work perfectly. Test critical ones like your linter, formatter, and debugger. If any break, that could be a dealbreaker regardless of AI features.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Your Coding Style Doesn’t Match the AI Model
Different AI models excel at different programming languages and patterns. Cursor’s default models might struggle with niche frameworks while Copilot has seen more GitHub code. Check this by asking each AI to complete a typical function in your primary language. If one consistently misunderstands your intent, it’s likely trained on different code styles. Fix this by explicitly telling the AI your preferences through comments or switching to a model that better matches your stack.
Cause #2: Network Latency Affecting Performance
Both editors need internet for AI features, but they handle connection issues differently. VS Code with Copilot tends to gracefully degrade when your connection is slow, while Cursor might freeze waiting for responses. Test your network speed at fast.com during peak coding hours. If it’s below 10 Mbps, VS Code might feel more responsive. Consider using Cursor’s offline mode for local models if internet speed is consistently an issue.
Cause #3: Workspace Size Overwhelming the Context Window
Large codebases can confuse AI assistants. Cursor attempts to index your entire project, which helps with context but can slow down suggestions in massive repositories. VS Code with Copilot focuses on the current file and recently opened tabs. Check your project size – if it’s over 100,000 lines of code, try creating a .cursorignore file to exclude build folders and dependencies, or stick with VS Code for more predictable performance.
When to Call a Technician
If both editors crash frequently or AI features simply won’t activate despite proper setup, you might have deeper system issues. Contact your IT department when you see consistent error messages about SSL certificates, proxy configurations, or if your company firewall blocks AI services. Some organizations require special approval for AI coding tools due to security policies – your IT team can clarify what’s allowed and help configure approved tools properly.
Don’t struggle alone if you’re spending more than an hour troubleshooting basic functionality. The time lost fighting with tools costs more than getting professional help.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
Here’s a prompt to get specific advice for your situation:
“`
I’m comparing Cursor and VS Code for AI-assisted coding. My primary language is [INSERT LANGUAGE], I work on [WEB/MOBILE/BACKEND] projects, and my team size is [NUMBER]. My main priorities are [code completion/refactoring/debugging/chat interface]. My computer has [RAM AMOUNT] RAM and [INTERNET SPEED] internet. Which editor would work better for my specific needs? Please explain the tradeoffs.
“`
Remember that the “better” choice depends entirely on your specific workflow. Many developers keep both installed, using Cursor for greenfield projects where AI can generate large chunks, and VS Code for maintaining existing codebases where precise, line-by-line suggestions matter more. The best AI coding assistant is the one that actually speeds up your work without adding friction to your development process.