Short verdict: GitHub Copilot is cheaper (Pro at $10), free for students, and works inside the editor you already use. Cursor is a full AI-first editor at $20 ($16 yearly), stronger when you want an agent to make large changes across your project.

Choose GitHub Copilot if

  • You're a student: free through the GitHub Student Developer Pack.
  • Budget matters: Pro at $10 is half of Cursor Pro.
  • You don't want to switch editors (VS Code or JetBrains).

Choose Cursor if

  • You code full-time and want AI in every step of the editor.
  • You want to pick between models from several labs.
  • You'll pay yearly: 20% off makes Pro $16.

Our advice

Start with free Copilot or Pro at $10 for a full month. If you keep needing multi-file changes from one instruction, use Cursor's free Pro week before switching. The wider comparison (with Claude Code, Windsurf and Codex) is in AI coding tools pricing.

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