Coding isn’t always smooth sailing. If only there were a tool that didn’t just autocomplete your code but understood what you were trying to build.
Enter Cursor AI—the smart, context-aware coding assistant that’s making waves in 2025. With AI-powered development tools projected to boost productivity by 55% by 2026, Cursor stands out as more than just another auto-complete plugin.
But does it live up to the hype? In this Cursor AI review, we’ll break down its key features, pricing, pros and cons, and how it compares to alternatives like GitHub Copilot and Codeium.
What Is Cursor AI?
At its core, Cursor AI is a next-gen code editor with a built-in AI assistant. Unlike cloud-only tools that leave you helpless without Wi-Fi, Cursor runs locally on your machine—though you’ll need an internet connection for its AI features.
Think of it as VS Code’s smarter sibling. It’s designed to help you write, debug, and refactor code faster, with AI that actually understands your project’s context. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with syntax or an experienced dev managing a complex codebase, Cursor aims to be your AI-powered sidekick.
Key Features of Cursor AI in 2025
1. AI-Driven Code Completion
Most code editors offer basic autocomplete, but Cursor AI takes it further. Instead of just guessing the next word, it predicts the logic you’re trying to implement.
For example, if you start typing findMaxValue(), Cursor might suggest a full implementation—complete with a loop to compare values and return the highest one. Just hit Tab, and your function is ready. It’s like having a co-pilot who finishes your sentences (but for code).
2. Composer Mode
Ever blanked on the exact grep command to find files modified today? Composer Mode lets you type in plain English:
“Show me all files changed since yesterday.”
Cursor converts this into the correct terminal command, saving you from frantic Google searches. No more memorizing obscure flags—just describe what you need, and Cursor handles the rest.
3. Agent Mode
Need a login form with email validation? Instead of writing it line by line, just ask:
“Build me a login form with React Hook Form and email validation.”
Agent Mode generates the code for you, complete with error handling. It’s not perfect—you’ll still need to review it—but it’s shockingly good at turning prompts into functional code.
4. Natural Language Commands
Here’s the kicker: you don’t need to learn any special syntax to use Cursor. Want a function that calculates a user’s age from their birthdate? Just type, “Create a function that takes a birthdate string and returns the current age,” and Cursor writes the code. No brackets, no semicolons—just plain English.
This is a game-changer for beginners, but even pros will love it. Why waste time writing boilerplate code when you can describe what you need and get back to solving the actual problem?
Pros & Cons of Cursor AI
The Good
- Built-in AI Chat Support: Stuck on a bug? Ask Cursor, and it’ll explain the issue.
- Smart Code Generation: Need a React form with validation? Describe it, and Cursor generates working, styled code.
- Effortless Refactoring: Rename functions across files or split a giant component in seconds.
- Code Explanations: Highlight confusing code and ask, “What does this do?” for instant breakdowns.
- Context-Aware Suggestions: Unlike generic AI tools, Cursor understands your project’s structure.
The Not-So-Good
- AI Isn’t Perfect: Sometimes it misses edge cases (like forgetting
0! = 1in a factorial function). - Dependency Risk: Relying too much on AI might slow your learning.
- Privacy Concerns: Some processing happens in the cloud, which may not suit sensitive projects.
- No Offline AI: You need an internet connection for AI features.
- Potential Distraction: It’s easy to overuse the chat and lose focus.
Cursor AI Pricing Plan
Cursor isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and its pricing reflects that. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2025:
- Free: Great for testing the waters. You get a two-week Pro trial, 2,000 AI completions, and 50 “slow” premium requests (think: longer tasks like refactoring). This is perfect for students or casual coders.
- Pro ($20/month): This is the sweet spot for most developers. You get everything in the Hobby tier, plus unlimited completions, 500 “fast” premium requests (for quick tasks like code suggestions), and unlimited slow requests. If you code daily, this plan can easily pay for itself in time saved.
- Ultra ($200/month): Priority access to new features
- Business ($40/user/month): For teams that need more. This plan adds org-wide privacy controls, centralized billing, usage stats, and SSO (single sign-on). It’s worth it if your company prioritizes security and needs to manage multiple users.
Top Alternatives to Cursor AI
Cursor is a standout tool, but it’s not the only AI coding assistant on the market. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:
- GitHub Copilot X: Tighter integration with VS Code, but its privacy tools are a bit weaker. If you live and breathe in VS Code and don’t mind your code data being used to train Copilot, this is a solid pick.
- Codeium: The free tier offers unlimited queries, but its context awareness can be hit-or-miss. It often struggles with larger projects, so it’s better for small scripts than full applications.
- Amazon CodeWhisperer: The perfect choice if you’re deeply embedded in the AWS ecosystem. It has strong security certifications (like SOC 2), but it can feel clunky outside of AWS tools.
Final Verdict on Cursor AI Review
So should you use Cursor AI? Yes—especially if you want to code faster and smarter.
Cursor AI isn’t just about autocomplete—it’s about understanding your intent and reducing repetitive tasks. While it’s not flawless (you’ll still need to review its code), the time saved makes it worth the $20/month for most developers.
If you’re tired of Googling syntax or debugging alone, give Cursor a try. It might just become your new favorite coding buddy.
