Cursor vs JetBrains AI
Cursor: An AI-first code editor that understands your whole project. JetBrains AI: AI Assistant and the Junie agent built into IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
Cursor
Best for: Developers who want AI at the centre of their editor.
Stands out for: Familiar VS Code-style editor; Strong project-wide context.
JetBrains AI
Best for: Developers who already work in JetBrains IDEs.
Stands out for: Deep IDE integration; Understands project structure well.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit cursor.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit jetbrains.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An AI-first code editor that understands your whole project. | AI Assistant and the Junie agent built into IntelliJ, PyCharm and other JetBrains IDEs. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Coding | AI Coding |
| Editor rank | #2 in category | #17 in category |
| Made by | Anysphere | JetBrains |
| Best for | Developers who want AI at the centre of their editor. | Developers who already work in JetBrains IDEs. |
| Key features |
|
|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Use it to |
|
|
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux |
Cursor vs JetBrains AI: questions
Is Cursor better than JetBrains AI?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Cursor slightly higher overall in AI Coding, but JetBrains AI can be the better fit: Developers who already work in JetBrains IDEs.
Which is free, Cursor or JetBrains AI?
Both can be used without paying: Cursor is free + paid and JetBrains AI is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Cursor and JetBrains AI together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask questions about a whole codebase with Cursor, and refactor a class with AI help with JetBrains AI.