Head-to-Head Comparison

GitHub Copilot vs Cursor 2026: Best AI Code Editor?

G

GitHub Copilot

★ 4.6/5

49

Total score

VS
C

Cursor

★ 4.7/5

52

Total score

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Our Verdict

Winner: Cursor

Cursor offers deeper AI integration with multi-file editing and codebase awareness. Copilot is more affordable and works within existing IDEs. Many developers use both.

Detailed Score Breakdown

Criteria
GitHub Copilot
Cursor

Code Completion

Tied
9

Fast, accurate completions

9

Equally fast and accurate

AI Chat

8

Good inline chat

10

Superior codebase-aware chat

Winner

Multi-file Editing

6

Single-file focus

10

Can edit multiple files at once

Winner

IDE Integration

10

Works in all major IDEs

Winner
7

Standalone editor (VS Code fork)

Pricing

9

Free tier + $10/mo Pro

Winner
7

Free tier + $20/mo Pro

Codebase Understanding

7

Workspace context

9

Deep codebase indexing

Winner
Overall Score
8.2
8.7

Category Analysis

Code Completion

GitHub Copilot9/10
9

Fast, accurate completions

Cursor9/10
9

Equally fast and accurate

AI Chat

GitHub Copilot8/10
8

Good inline chat

Cursor10/10
10

Superior codebase-aware chat

Multi-file Editing

GitHub Copilot6/10
6

Single-file focus

Cursor10/10
10

Can edit multiple files at once

IDE Integration

GitHub Copilot10/10
10

Works in all major IDEs

Cursor7/10
7

Standalone editor (VS Code fork)

Pricing

GitHub Copilot9/10
9

Free tier + $10/mo Pro

Cursor7/10
7

Free tier + $20/mo Pro

Codebase Understanding

GitHub Copilot7/10
7

Workspace context

Cursor9/10
9

Deep codebase indexing

G

GitHub Copilot

★ 4.6/5

AI pair programmer for developers

✓ Excellent code completion

✓ Deep IDE integration

✓ Understands project context

C

Cursor

★ 4.7/5

The AI-first code editor

✓ Best-in-class code editing AI

✓ Understands entire codebase

✓ Multi-file editing capability

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I switch from Copilot to Cursor?

If you need multi-file editing and deep codebase understanding, Cursor is worth trying. If you're happy with code completion in your existing IDE, Copilot is more cost-effective.

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