Both tools let you describe a change in plain English and have an AI make it across your files. The difference is what you're buying into: Cursor is an entire code editor, while Cline is an open-source agent that lives inside the editor you already use (or in your terminal).
The short version
| Cline | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open-source coding agent | AI-first code editor |
| Where you work | VS Code and other editors, plus a CLI and desktop app | Its own editor, built on a VS Code foundation |
| Open source | Yes (Apache 2.0) | No |
| Cost | The tool is free for individuals. You pay for AI model usage | Free plan with limited requests, plus paid plans |
| AI models | You choose the provider (bring your own key, or use Cline credits) | Chosen within Cursor's plans |
| MCP servers | Yes | Yes |
| Project instructions | .clinerules (also reads AGENTS.md) | .cursor/rules and AGENTS.md |
Prices change often, so check cline.bot/pricing and cursor.com/pricing.
How they feel to use
Cursor is an editor with an AI chat panel and an agent that edits several files at once. Everything is in one window, which is a gentle start for most beginners.
Cline is a panel inside your editor. It starts with Plan mode, where it explores your project and lays out a strategy, then Act mode, where it makes changes. By default every file edit and terminal command needs your approval, and it tracks changes with checkpoints so you can undo its work. You can turn on auto-approve, but that removes the safety check, so only do it on work you can easily roll back.
Where Cline is stronger
- Open source and flexible. You pick the AI provider: Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, local models and others.
- Pay for what you use. There's no subscription for the tool itself. You pay your provider (or buy Cline credits) for usage.
- Works in more places. It runs in VS Code and other editors, in the terminal and as a desktop app.
Where Cursor is stronger
- One app, one bill. The editor, the AI and the plans are all in one place.
- A free plan to try. Cursor lists a free plan with limited agent and chat requests.
- Familiar layout. It looks like the editors most developers already know.
What they share
Both support MCP (Model Context Protocol, a standard way to plug extra tools into an AI) and both read AGENTS.md. Cline's rules docs also say it picks up .cursorrules, so a project already set up for Cursor carries over.
Can you use both?
Yes. Cline's own site offers installs for Cursor and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) as well as VS Code, so you can add Cline to Cursor. Beware of paying twice for similar things, though: watch both your Cursor plan and your Cline model usage.
Who should pick what
- You've never coded and want the easiest start: Cursor.
- You want to control which AI model you use, or run local models: Cline.
- You want predictable monthly costs: Cursor's plans are easier to budget for. With Cline, costs rise and fall with usage.
- You prefer open source: Cline.
Our verdict
Cursor is the simpler all-in-one start. Cline is the flexible, open-source choice for people who want to steer their own models and costs. Our guides can help with either: add an MCP server to Cursor or set up Cursor rules.