Software Engineering :: Pair Programming :: AI Assistant :: GitHub Copilot :: About :: VS Code + GitHub Copilot: Head-to-Head vs Cursor
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This video is a detailed, side-by-side review of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with GitHub Copilot versus Cursor (another AI-powered code editor forked from VS Code). The creator tests both editors on the same Laravel codebase using identical prompts, with Claude Sonnet 4 as the backend model for both. Through a series of real-world coding tasks—like checking dependency versions, refactoring code, and changing database relationships—the video compares speed, accuracy, UX, and pricing. The verdict: while Cursor delivers slightly better UX (especially for autocomplete and extra touches), VS Code with Copilot is now "good enough" for most users at a lower cost, especially after recent improvements. The main differentiators are price and minor UX polish, not core AI capability.
- Compared VS Code and Cursor using the same prompts and codebase.
- Cursor provided more accurate dependency info (checked composer/package files); VS Code missed details.
- In refactoring tests, both editors handled changes well, with minor differences due to prompt ambiguity.
- In database relationship refactor (multi-file, complex change), both performed similarly, but Cursor auto-ran more steps and generated more complete tests.
- Cursor tends to go the extra mile for UI/UX (e.g., better selection widgets, badges, extra test files).
- VS Code requires more manual confirmation for certain changes (approving requests, etc.).
- Cursor's autocomplete is noticeably faster and smarter—helpful for heavy coding.
- GitHub Copilot in VS Code is $10/month with seemingly more included usage.
- Cursor costs at least $20/month, but some users run out of credits quickly—cost can approach API pricing.
- Token usage and pricing transparency are better in Cursor, but value for dollar may be better in Copilot for most users.
- Both editors are "good enough" for most coding tasks with AI help.
- Main differences are price and small UX details, not AI quality.
- Cursor shines if you want best-in-class autocomplete and workflow speed.
- For cost-conscious users, VS Code with Copilot is now a competitive choice.
- Trey AI may be another affordable competitor worth checking.
- Most major AI-powered editors are now mature and capable—choice boils down to price and workflow preference.
- Readers are invited to share their experiences and subscribe to the creator's free AI coding newsletter.