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Solo IDE vs Cursor

Both have AI. One requires setup. One just works.

At a Glance

Cursor

AI-powered code editor built on VSCode. Great for developers who want AI assistance while coding. Offers excellent autocomplete, inline suggestions, and chat. Requires some setup and configuration to get the most out of it.

Solo IDE

Agent-first UDE (Unified Development Environment). Built for everyone—developers, PMs, vibe coders. Zero config, everything unified in one app. AI agents do the work, you provide direction.

Feature Comparison

Base

Cursor

VSCode fork

Solo IDE

VSCode engine

Primary focus

Cursor

AI-assisted coding

Solo IDE

Unified development experience

Target user

Cursor

Developers

Solo IDE

Developers, PMs, vibe coders

AI approach

Cursor

Copilot-style + chat

Solo IDE

Agent-first, multi-agent

Setup required

Cursor

Some (extensions, settings)

Solo IDE

None (1-click everything)

Built-in browser

Cursor

No

Solo IDE

Yes (full Chromium + DevTools)

Built-in deployment

Cursor

No

Solo IDE

Yes

Docker integration

Cursor

Manual

Solo IDE

1-click

Canvas/whiteboard

Cursor

No

Solo IDE

Yes

Notes

Cursor

No

Solo IDE

Yes

Philosophy

Cursor

Better IDE with AI

Solo IDE

Everything unified, AI-native

Pricing

Cursor

Free tier + Pro ($20/mo)

Solo IDE

Free during beta

Where Cursor Shines

Cursor is a well-designed product with genuine strengths:

  • Excellent AI chat and code generation with context awareness
  • Familiar VSCode interface—minimal learning curve for existing users
  • Strong autocomplete and inline suggestions
  • Great for developers who want AI help but prefer traditional workflows
  • Established product with a large, active user base
  • Solid free tier for individual developers

If you're already productive with VSCode and just want better AI assistance, Cursor is a solid choice.

Where Solo IDE is Different

Solo IDE isn't trying to be a better Cursor. It's a different category:

  • Agent-first, not AI-assisted: AI agents do the work, you provide direction
  • Truly unified: Browser, terminal, editor, chat, canvas, notes—all in one window
  • Zero config: Docker, Git, deployment all work with one click
  • Built for everyone: PMs, founders, vibe coders—not just experienced developers
  • Never leave the app: Everything development-related happens in Solo IDE

The philosophy is different: Cursor makes coding easier. Solo IDE makes building software easier—whether or not you know how to code.

Learn more about UDEs vs traditional IDEs →

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cursor if:

  • You're an experienced developer who likes VSCode
  • You want AI assistance but prefer traditional coding workflow
  • You're already set up and productive with your current tools
  • You primarily need better autocomplete and code chat
  • You work on projects that require very specific extensions or configurations

Choose Solo IDE if:

  • You want everything in one app (no more alt-tabbing)
  • You hate configuration and setup
  • You're a PM, founder, or non-developer who wants to build
  • You want AI agents to do work, not just assist
  • You're starting fresh and want the simplest path to building
  • You value speed and shipping over customizing your environment

Do You Have to Choose?

Not necessarily. They're different enough that you might find value in both:

  • Some developers use Cursor for specific projects where they need deep customization
  • The same developers might use Solo IDE for new projects or quick prototypes
  • Solo IDE is free during beta, so there's no risk in trying both

The best way to decide is to try them. See which workflow matches how you think and work.

Try Solo IDE

Free during beta. No setup required—see the difference in 5 minutes.

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