Dumping Cursor for VSCode + Claude Code
Don’t get me wrong—Cursor is genuinely awesome. It’s probably the best AI-native code editor ever built, with incredibly thoughtful integrations and a user experience that actually works. But now that Claude Code has launched with full VSCode integration, there’s simply no reason to pay for another subscription or deal with a separate tool.
Cursor: Actually Pretty Great
Let me be clear—Cursor deserves massive credit for showing the industry what AI-assisted coding should look like. The team built something genuinely innovative:
What Cursor Got Right
- Inline suggestions that actually understand context
- Smooth tab completion with AI awareness
- Built-in chat that feels natural and integrated
- Codebase understanding that goes beyond single files
- Smart refactoring suggestions that make sense
The UX is polished, the AI integration feels thoughtful, and it genuinely makes coding faster and more enjoyable. For a purpose-built AI editor, they nailed the fundamentals.
But Then Claude Code Happened
Here’s the thing: Claude Code just made Cursor unnecessary for my workflow. Not because Cursor is bad—it’s not—but because Claude Code delivers the same benefits while being:
- Free (no monthly subscription)
- Inside VSCode (the editor I already know and love)
- More powerful (access to Claude Sonnet 4)
- More flexible (I control when and how to engage it)
Why VSCode + Claude Code Wins
The combination isn’t just competitive with Cursor—it’s actually superior in several key ways:
No Subscription Required
Cursor costs $20/month for Pro features. Claude Code is free with your existing Claude subscription (which I already had). The math is simple.
VSCode’s Mature Ecosystem
VSCode has thousands of extensions, years of refinement, and a workflow I’ve already optimized. Why learn a new editor when I can get better AI assistance in the tool I already love?
More Powerful AI
Claude Sonnet 4 through Claude Code is consistently more capable than Cursor’s AI models. The responses are more nuanced, the code suggestions more sophisticated, and the problem-solving more thorough.
Better Context Management
Unlike Cursor’s AI which feels somewhat contained, Claude Code can understand and work with my entire project context, maintain state across sessions, and even execute terminal commands when needed.
The Economic Reality
Here’s what really sealed the decision: I was paying for both Cursor Pro ($20/month) and Claude Pro ($20/month). Now I just need Claude Pro and get better AI assistance directly in VSCode.
The New Workflow
Here’s how VSCode + Claude Code actually works in practice:
- Regular coding happens in VSCode with all my existing extensions and shortcuts
- Complex problems get handed off to Claude Code for deep analysis and solutions
- File operations are seamless—Claude Code can read, write, and execute across my entire project
- Context persistence means Claude remembers our entire conversation and project state
What I Actually Miss from Cursor
Let me be honest about what Cursor does better:
- Inline suggestions appear more smoothly
- Tab completion with AI context is more seamless
- Immediate AI feedback without needing to actively engage
These are real conveniences, and Cursor’s UX team deserves credit for making AI assistance feel effortless.
But The Math is Simple
Here’s the reality check:
- Cursor Pro: $20/month for AI-assisted coding
- Claude Pro: $20/month for the best AI available
- VSCode: Free, with my entire workflow already optimized
- Claude Code: Free with Claude Pro subscription
Why pay for two subscriptions when one gives me better AI in the editor I already prefer?
For Current Cursor Users
If you’re happy with Cursor, stick with it—it’s genuinely excellent. But if you’re already paying for Claude Pro, or if you’re deeply invested in VSCode’s ecosystem, Claude Code offers a compelling alternative that might save you money while delivering superior AI capabilities.
The Bottom Line
Cursor proved that AI-native editors could work brilliantly. But now that the best AI assistant is available directly in VSCode, the extra tool and subscription feel unnecessary.
Claude Code isn’t just competing with Cursor—it’s making it redundant.
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