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Cursor vs Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents)

Cursor and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) 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

AttributeCursorCursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents)
Product statusStatus not recordedStatus not recorded
VendorCursorAnysphere
Rating★ 4.8★ 4.6
PricingFreemiumPaid
PlatformsDesktopWeb, IDE
Key featuresAgent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commandsRemote VM environments, Connected source-control branches, Configurable secrets and outbound network
Headquarters——
Launched——
Open sourceNoNo

Key differences

  • Cursor carries the higher editorial score (4.8★ vs 4.6★).
  • Cursor is Freemium, while Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) is Paid.
  • Cursor runs on Desktop; Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) runs on Web, IDE.

Cursor and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) at a glance

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 →

Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents)

Anysphere

Cursor's remote coding agents work in configured VM environments and hand changes back through connected source control.

Rating
4.6★
Pricing
Paid

Editorial verdict

Consider it for reviewed remote coding after defining repository access, spend limits and retention requirements.

Strengths

  • Remote execution independent of the local laptop
  • Documented environment and source-control setup
  • Network and secret controls are described

Key features

  • Remote VM environments
  • Connected source-control branches
  • Configurable secrets and outbound network
  • Web, desktop and integration entry points

Best for

  • Preparing a bounded change for later review
  • Running approved tasks in a configured remote environment
Read the full Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) review →

Feature overlap

  • The two tools have no listed features in common — see both feature lists above.
  • Cursor also lists: Agent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commands, Plan-dependent model selection
  • Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) also lists: Remote VM environments, Connected source-control branches, Configurable secrets and outbound network, Web, desktop and integration entry points

Frequently asked questions

Is Cursor or Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) better?

By editorial score, Cursor scores higher (4.8★ vs 4.6★). Both are capable Code Generation tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.

Which is cheaper, Cursor or Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents)?

Cursor is Freemium and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) is Paid. Check each product page for current plan details.

Are Cursor and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) open source?

No — neither Cursor nor Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) is open source.

What platforms do Cursor and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) support?

Cursor supports Desktop; Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) supports Web, IDE.

What are the main features of Cursor and Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents)?

Cursor: Agent file search, Code editing tools, Permission-configured commands, Plan-dependent model selection. Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents): Remote VM environments, Connected source-control branches, Configurable secrets and outbound network, Web, desktop and integration entry points.

Visit Cursor →Visit Cursor Cloud Agents (formerly Background Agents) →

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