Overview
Cursor and Windsurf are both AI-powered IDEs competing for the AI coding tool market. Cursor is a VS Code fork with multi-model support. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offers similar capabilities with its own model integration and agentic features. Both aim to be the primary development environment for AI-assisted coding.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Base | VS Code fork | Custom IDE |
| Models | Claude, GPT-4, custom | Custom + integrations |
| Agentic mode | Composer | Cascade |
| Context | Codebase indexing | Codebase indexing |
| Price | $20/month Pro | $15/month Pro |
| Free tier | Limited | Yes |
| Extensions | VS Code compatible | Limited |
Security Analysis
Cursor security characteristics: Mature .cursorrules system for security requirements. Multiple model choices let you select the most security-conscious model. Large user base means more community security patterns and rules. VS Code extension compatibility provides access to security extensions.
Windsurf security characteristics: Cascade agentic mode can make broad changes (both positive and negative for security). Competitive pricing may attract more security-conscious paid users. Newer platform with evolving security features.
Common issues: Both tools generate code with the same underlying security problems: missing input validation, hardcoded secrets, insecure authentication patterns, and overly permissive configurations. The security of output depends more on the underlying model and prompting than the IDE itself.
Verdict
Cursor has a more mature ecosystem and better model flexibility, giving a slight edge for security-conscious development. Windsurf offers competitive pricing and capable agentic features. Both require the same security review process. Choose based on workflow preference and pricing – then add automated security scanning regardless of choice.