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Cline vs Cursor

Cline and Cursor are both Code Generation tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, editorial scores, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Side-by-side comparison

AttributeClineCursor
Product statusStatus not recordedStatus not recorded
VendorCline BotCursor
Rating★ 4.7★ 4.8
PricingFreemiumFreemium
PlatformsIDE, CLI, DesktopDesktop
Key featuresFile editing and terminal tools, Configurable automatic approvals, BYOK or Cline model accessAgent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commands
Headquarters——
Launched——
Open sourceYesNo

Key differences

  • Cursor carries the higher editorial score (4.8★ vs 4.7★).
  • Both Cline and Cursor use a Freemium model.
  • Cline is open source (its code is public), while Cursor is proprietary.
  • Cline runs on IDE, CLI, Desktop; Cursor runs on Desktop.

Cline and Cursor at a glance

Cline

Cline Bot

An open-source coding agent with editor, terminal and desktop interfaces, configurable tool approvals and a choice of model providers.

Rating
4.7★
Pricing
Freemium

Editorial verdict

Consider Cline when you can review changes and deliberately manage tool permissions, provider terms and spending.

Strengths

  • Published agent-core source and license
  • Multiple model-access paths
  • Documented tool-level permission controls

Key features

  • File editing and terminal tools
  • Configurable automatic approvals
  • BYOK or Cline model access
  • MCP integrations

Best for

  • Preparing reviewed repository changes
  • Operating a coding agent through an approved provider
Read the full Cline review →

Cursor

Cursor

Coding application with agent tools for file search, edits and commands; model access, permissions and usage charges depend on the selected setup and plan.

Rating
4.8★
Pricing
Freemium

Editorial verdict

Consider Cursor for reviewed, bounded coding work. Choose permissions and the model billing path before evaluating it on your repository.

Strengths

  • Documented file-search, editing and command tools
  • Model selection subject to the plan
  • Version-control-friendly review of generated changes

Key features

  • Agent file search
  • Code editing tools
  • Permission-configured commands
  • Plan-dependent model selection

Best for

  • Preparing a bounded code change for human review
  • Exploring files before planning a refactor
  • Comparing allowed model choices on the team's own tasks
Read the full Cursor review →

Feature overlap

  • The two tools have no listed features in common — see both feature lists above.
  • Cline also lists: File editing and terminal tools, Configurable automatic approvals, BYOK or Cline model access, MCP integrations
  • Cursor also lists: Agent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commands, Plan-dependent model selection

Frequently asked questions

Is Cline or Cursor better?

By editorial score, Cursor scores higher (4.8★ vs 4.7★). Both are capable Code Generation tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.

Which is cheaper, Cline or Cursor?

Both Cline and Cursor use a Freemium pricing model.

Are Cline and Cursor open source?

Cline is open source, while Cursor is proprietary.

What platforms do Cline and Cursor support?

Cline supports IDE, CLI, Desktop; Cursor supports Desktop.

What are the main features of Cline and Cursor?

Cline: File editing and terminal tools, Configurable automatic approvals, BYOK or Cline model access, MCP integrations. Cursor: Agent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commands, Plan-dependent model selection.

Visit Cline →Visit Cursor →

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