Bolt and Cursor both use AI to write code, but they sit at opposite ends of the experience. Bolt is a browser-based app builder: you chat, it builds, and you never need to see a file. Cursor is a code editor with AI built in: you work in the code, and the AI helps. This comparison sticks to what the vendors document.
The short version
| Bolt | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Chat-to-app builder in the browser | AI-first code editor built on a VS Code foundation |
| Install needed | No | Yes, a desktop app |
| Free plan | Yes, with a monthly token cap and a daily limit | Yes, with limited agent and chat requests |
| Starting points | A prompt, Figma, GitHub or a team template | A folder or repo on your computer |
| Plan before building | Plan Mode | Chat and agent in the editor |
| MCP servers | Yes, custom MCP connectors | Yes, via an mcp.json file |
| Project instructions | Not listed | .cursor/rules and AGENTS.md |
Plans change often. Check Bolt and Cursor for current details.
What they have in common
- Plain-English requests. Both let you describe what you want and have the AI make the change.
- Free to try. Both have a free plan, and both free plans run out faster than you'd expect once you iterate.
- Real code underneath. Bolt's output is a normal web project and Cursor edits normal project files, so the two can work on the same code.
Key differences
Where you work. Bolt lives entirely in the browser. Cursor is an editor you install, with files, an editor pane and a chat panel.
How much code you see. Bolt aims to keep you in the conversation. Cursor puts the code in front of you, which is more to take in but gives you far more control.
Where you start. Bolt can start from a prompt, a Figma design or a GitHub repo. Cursor starts from a project on your machine. If you have no project yet, Bolt gets you to something running faster.
Where it gets hard. Bolt's free tokens can run out quickly on bigger projects, and larger apps may need developer help to finish. Cursor's trade-off is the opposite: it is a full code editor, which is a lot to take in if you've never used one.
Extending the AI. Cursor supports MCP servers and standing instructions through project rules. Bolt's help centre documents connecting custom MCP servers, but we haven't compared how the two work.
Using them together
These aren't really rivals. A sensible flow is to prototype in Bolt, connect the project to GitHub (Bolt's help site mentions GitHub support, so confirm the details for your plan), then open the repo in Cursor to do the detailed work.
Who should pick what
- You've never coded and want a first version today: Bolt.
- You have a Figma design to turn into a site: Bolt lists Figma as a starting point.
- You already have a codebase, or want to learn how the code works: Cursor.
- You expect the project to grow: Start wherever is easiest, but plan to end up in an editor like Cursor.
Our verdict
Choose by the job. Bolt is for getting a prototype out of your head and into a browser. Cursor is for working on code you intend to keep. Try a small idea in Bolt's free plan, and if you find yourself wanting to edit files directly, that's your cue to open Cursor.