Free alternatives to Cursor
11 free programs that can replace Cursor, each pairing checked by Radar's AI reviewer or by Radar.
Cursor, from Anysphere, is a code editor with AI built in. Developers use it to write code with autocomplete, ask questions about a project and let an AI agent edit several files. It is sold as a subscription.
Before you move, check:
- Extensions, themes and settings. Visual Studio Code is the closest relative among the options, but test that the extensions you use are available.
- Which AI features you really use: autocomplete, chat, agent edits or questions about the whole project.
- Which AI model or API key the alternative uses, and who pays for that usage.
- Project rules and instructions you have written for the AI, which may need to be adapted.
- Speed, shortcuts and team habits.
The list below includes Visual Studio Code and Zed, as well as terminal tools like opencode and Codex CLI.
| Program | Ease | You need | Risk signals | Stars | Downloads this week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio CodeA free code editor from Microsoft for writing, running and fixing programs, with thousands of add-ons. | Ease Adownload and open · Windows | Nothing extra | Few signals | 194,427+75 in 5 days | — |
| ZedA fast code editor for Windows, Mac and Linux with built-in AI help and live editing with other people. | Ease Adownload and open · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 2 | 92,466+220 in 5 days | 467,905 |
| opencodeAn AI assistant for programmers that reads and edits the code in your projects, in a terminal or a desktop app. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Few signals | 223,602+2,045 in 6 days | 2,857,014 |
| Claude CodeA terminal program where you ask Claude for a change and it reads your project, edits files and runs commands. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 4 | 154,079+601 in 5 days | 114,529 |
| Codex CLIAn AI helper from OpenAI that reads, writes and runs code for you from a terminal window on your own computer. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 3 | 132,500+1,470 in 5 days | 1,928,744 |
| PiA terminal coding assistant: an AI agent that reads and changes files in your project and runs commands for you. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Node.js | Attention · 2 | 119,188+1,153 in 5 days | 87,246 |
| T3 CodeDesktop, phone and web control panel for the AI coding agents already on your computer, such as Claude Code or Codex. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Node.js | Attention · 5 | 35,651— | — |
| ZCodeZ.ai's AI coding assistant: a desktop app, web page and terminal tool where an AI agent writes and edits code in your projects. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 1 | 8,401+126 in 5 days | 824 |
| DeepSeek HarnessDeepSeek's own program for running an AI agent on your computer, opened in a browser page and extended through plugins. | Ease Cinstall 1 or 2 tools · Windows | Node.js | Attention · 5 | 267,448+5,977 in 6 days | — |
| Hermes AgentA terminal AI assistant that can use your computer, remember past chats, and be reached from Telegram or Discord. | Ease Cinstall 1 or 2 tools · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 3 | 259,182+2,101 in 6 days | 72 |
| OrcaA desktop app to run several coding agents side by side, each in its own copy of your project, plus a phone companion. | Ease Cinstall 1 or 2 tools · Windows | Node.js | Attention · 3 | 111,742+5,818 in 6 days | 12,980,500 |
Frequently asked questions
Which free alternative to Cursor is the easiest to install?
Visual Studio Code has the highest ease rating among the 11 options: A (download and open · Windows).
Is there a free alternative to Cursor for Windows, Mac and Linux?
Windows: Visual Studio Code, Zed, opencode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Pi, T3 Code, ZCode, DeepSeek Harness, Hermes Agent, Orca. macOS: Visual Studio Code, Zed, opencode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Pi, T3 Code, ZCode, DeepSeek Harness, Hermes Agent, Orca. Linux: Visual Studio Code, Zed, opencode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Pi, T3 Code, DeepSeek Harness, Hermes Agent, Orca.
Are the alternatives to Cursor really free?
1 of the 11 is completely free; 10 depend on a paid service or key for some features.
How can I tell whether an alternative is trustworthy?
Each card shows the risk signals found, with the evidence. 2 of the 11 have no signal rated attention or high. See also the guide How to find a GitHub project's official repository and avoid fake copies.