Best AI code editor
Short answer: Cursor is our initial pick for AI code editor, with Windsurf as the runner-up, based on verified features and pricing (hands-on tests coming).
⚠ Initial picks, hands-on tests coming. No scores yet: we only publish scores from real test runs. Last checked 2026-10-17.
Full editors with built-in agents. Windsurf (Pro $20/mo), Zed (Pro $10/mo) and Copilot (Pro $10/mo) prices verified on official pages.
The picks
- AI code editor
Windsurf
Agentic IDE alternative to Cursor
Free $0; Pro $20/mo; Max $200/mo; Teams $80/mo + $40/mo per seat (checked 2026-10-17)
free tierAI code editorZed
Speed-obsessed devs who want AI in a native editor
Personal $0; Pro $10/mo (includes $5 of tokens); Business $30/seat/mo (checked 2026-10-17)
open sourcefree tierAI code editorGitHub Copilot
Devs already on GitHub wanting a cheap start
Free; Pro $10/mo; Pro+ $39/mo; Max $100/mo (as listed on plans page) (checked 2026-10-17)
free tierAI pair programmerKiro
Spec-first builders
Free $0 (50 credits); Pro $20; Pro+ $40; Pro Max $100 per user/mo (checked 2026-10-17)
free tierAI code editor
FAQ
What is the best AI code editor?
Cursor is our initial pick for AI code editor, with Windsurf as the runner-up, based on verified features and pricing (hands-on tests coming).
Which of these have a free tier?
Verified free tier: Windsurf, Zed, GitHub Copilot, Kiro. Not verified or no free tier: Cursor.
Which are open source?
Zed.
How much do they cost?
Windsurf: Free $0; Pro $20/mo; Max $200/mo; Teams $80/mo + $40/mo per seat (checked 2026-10-17). Zed: Personal $0; Pro $10/mo (includes $5 of tokens); Business $30/seat/mo (checked 2026-10-17). GitHub Copilot: Free; Pro $10/mo; Pro+ $39/mo; Max $100/mo (as listed on plans page) (checked 2026-10-17). Kiro: Free $0 (50 credits); Pro $20; Pro+ $40; Pro Max $100 per user/mo (checked 2026-10-17). Pricing not yet verified for Cursor.
Are these rankings paid?
No. Rankings are never for sale. These are initial picks from verified features and pricing; hands-on test scores will be published after real test runs.