AI tool comparison

Claude Code vs Cursor

A data-driven comparison of Claude Code (AI CLI Agent) and Cursor (AI Code Editor) — features, GitHub momentum, and which tool fits your workflow.

Claude Code

AI CLI Agent

PrivateAnthropic ($60B valuation)

Cursor

AI Code Editor

Private

GitHub stats

GitHub stars

120.3K

Stats sourced from the Rize AI tools weekly tracker. Updated 2026-05-04.

Feature comparison

Feature
Claude Code
Cursor
Interface
Terminal / CLI
Full IDE (VS Code fork)
Autonomous coding
Fully autonomous agent
Tab completion + chat
Model
Claude only
Claude, GPT, custom
Pricing
API usage-based
Free + $20/mo Pro
Multi-repo support
Yes (worktrees)
One project at a time
Code review
Built-in
Via extensions

Track your AI tool usage with Rize

Claude Code runs in your terminal; Cursor runs as your IDE. Rize captures time in both — and shows which one you're actually more productive in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Claude Code and Cursor?

Claude Code is a AI CLI Agent while Cursor is a AI Code Editor. Key differences include: Interface (Claude Code: Terminal / CLI, Cursor: Full IDE (VS Code fork)); Autonomous coding (Claude Code: Fully autonomous agent, Cursor: Tab completion + chat); Model (Claude Code: Claude only, Cursor: Claude, GPT, custom).

Which is more popular, Claude Code or Cursor?

Both tools are actively developed open-source projects. Check the live GitHub stats above for the latest popularity data.

Can Rize track time spent in Claude Code and Cursor?

Yes. Rize automatically detects and tracks time spent in both Claude Code and Cursor. It runs in the background and categorizes your AI tool usage by project and client — no manual timers needed.

Related comparisons