What is Cursor?
- Written by
- Tom Houpt
- Published
Cursor is a code editor with AI built in. It’s the program developers write software in, with an assistant that can write, change and run the code for you.
The basic idea
Most AI tools in this guide help you write or research. Cursor helps you build software: an app, a website or a small internal tool. You describe what you want in plain English, such as “a page where clients can book a call,” and Cursor writes the code and shows you the result. You then ask for changes the same way.
What it does
It reads your whole project, so it can make changes that touch several places at once. Its assistants can work through multi-step jobs, like adding a feature or fixing a bug, and show you what they changed. Cursor works with several of the AI models behind tools like ChatGPT and Claude, so you aren’t tied to one.
What it costs
There’s a free plan with limited use. Paid plans are reported at about $20 a month, with higher tiers at $60 and $200 a month, and team plans at about $40 per user. Those numbers come from press and pricing roundups, and Cursor’s credit rules have changed before, so confirm them on Cursor’s pricing page.
Who it’s for
People who want to build something: a small app, a website or a tool for their own business. Developers use it every day, and some non-programmers use it to make simple things.
If you don’t have a software project in mind, skip it. For writing, email, research and admin, a chat assistant is a better fit, and Which AI should I use? covers those.
What to watch out for
Code that runs isn’t the same as code that’s safe. An AI can write something that works and still leaves a security gap, such as exposed customer data or a weak login. Don’t put real client records or passwords into anything you haven’t had reviewed. If people outside your team will use what you build, ask a developer to check it first.
You also need some patience. When something breaks, you’ll read an error message and decide what to try next. The AI helps with that, but it won’t take away the need to follow along.
Should you try it?
Cursor builds software, and people without a coding background use it to make small tools. Most readers of this site don’t need it. If you do have something to build, try the free plan on a small, low-risk project.
Common questions
Do I need to know how to code to use Cursor?
Not to start, but you need some technical comfort. Some people with no coding background use it to build simple tools and pages. You'll still hit moments where you have to read error messages and make choices.
Is Cursor free?
There is a free plan with limited use. Paid individual plans are reported at about $20, $60 and $200 a month, and team plans at about $40 per user. Check Cursor's pricing page before you pay.
Is Cursor an AI chatbot like ChatGPT?
No. It's a code editor, the kind of program developers write software in, with AI assistants built in. It uses AI models to do the writing.
Is it safe to use for a business tool?
Treat what it builds as unreviewed. It can write code that works but is insecure. Don't put customer data or passwords into a tool you haven't had checked, and ask a developer to review anything people outside your team will use.
Get our new guides first on Google: add Less Admin HQ as a preferred source (opens in a new tab).