Claude Code vs Cursor: Which AI Coding Tool Should You Choose?

June 2025

When it comes to AI-powered development tools, two names stand out: Claude Code and Cursor. Both promise to revolutionize how we write code, but which one offers better value—especially if you’re already using Claude’s models? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison.

Understanding the Basics

Cursor: The Versatile Option

Cursor, developed by the Cursor team, is built on Visual Studio Code, offering a familiar interface that developers already know and love. Its layout is straightforward: your code repository and files on the left, and an AI panel on the right for seamless interaction.

What sets Cursor apart is its model flexibility. Since it’s not affiliated with any specific AI provider, you can use:

  • Claude models from Anthropic
  • Gemini models from Google
  • GPT-4 models from OpenAI
  • Custom models via API integration

Claude Code: The Native Experience

Claude Code, on the other hand, is Anthropic’s own creation. As you’d expect, it’s exclusively designed for Claude models, currently supporting Sonnet and Opus. This tight integration comes with both advantages and limitations.

The Pricing Equation

Cursor’s Value Proposition

At $20/month, Cursor offers what might be the best deal in AI development tools right now:

  • 500 premium requests on supported models
  • Unlimited “slow” requests thereafter (which aren’t actually that slow)
  • Access to multiple AI models

However, there’s a catch. While Sonnet is included in your subscription, using Opus requires paying per tool call—at 30 cents each. Tool calls add up quickly when the AI needs to:

  • Search the internet
  • Look up documentation
  • Perform external queries

A typical development session can easily rack up 5-10 tool calls for simple queries, or 20+ for complex ones. This can lead to daily costs of $100-200 when using Opus extensively.

Claude Code’s Premium Approach

Claude Code takes a different pricing strategy:

  • Claude Pro ($20/month): Access to Sonnet only
  • Claude Max ($100-200/month): Full access to Opus with unlimited usage

While the upfront cost is higher, heavy Opus users get unlimited access without worrying about per-call charges.

Why Opus Matters

You might wonder why the fuss about Opus versus Sonnet. For simple, one-shot programs—the kind often showcased in AI tool reviews—both models perform admirably. Sonnet might even edge out Opus in some basic tests.

The real difference emerges with complex projects. As your context window expands with:

  • System prompts
  • Multiple code files
  • API documentation
  • Frontend and backend code
  • Database schemas
  • Test files

Sonnet’s performance deteriorates noticeably, while Opus maintains its reasoning capabilities even at the upper limits of its 200K context window. For full-stack development with all its moving parts, Opus becomes essential.

The Recommendation

If you’re serious about using Opus for development, Claude Code on a Max plan offers better value despite the higher monthly cost. The unlimited usage means you can iterate freely without watching a meter tick up with every query.

However, if you:

  • Primarily use Sonnet
  • Want model flexibility
  • Work on smaller projects
  • Are budget-conscious

Then Cursor’s $20/month plan provides exceptional value.

A Word of Caution

The AI landscape evolves at breakneck speed. What’s true today might be outdated tomorrow. New pricing models, features, and competitors emerge constantly. Think of this comparison as a snapshot of June 2025—by the time you read this, the landscape may have shifted dramatically.

The current state of AI development tools reminds me of the early days of ride-sharing, when venture capital subsidized impossibly cheap rides. We’re benefiting from similar dynamics now, with companies offering incredible value to capture market share. Enjoy it while it lasts, but stay flexible and ready to adapt as the market matures.

Bottom Line

Both tools are excellent choices, but they serve different needs:

  • Choose Cursor for flexibility, value, and multi-model support
  • Choose Claude Code for the best Opus experience with predictable costs

The best tool is the one that fits your workflow, budget, and project complexity. Don’t be afraid to try both and see which accelerates your development process more effectively.