Testing Methodology
- Duration: 30 days (15 days each)
- Projects: 3 web apps, 2 APIs, 1 CLI tool
- Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript
- Metrics: Code completion %, time saved, bugs caught
The Results
| Metric | Copilot | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Code Acceptance Rate | 42% | 68% |
| Time Saved/Day | 1.2 hours | 2.4 hours |
| Bugs Caught | 12 | 19 |
| Context Awareness | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Multi-file Edits | No | Yes |
What Copilot Does Well
1. Autocomplete
Inline suggestions are fast and accurate for simple functions.
2. Boilerplate Code
Excellent at generating repetitive code (CRUD operations, tests).
3. Integration
Works in VS Code, JetBrains, Neovim. Seamless setup.
What Cursor Does Better
1. Codebase Understanding
Cursor indexes your entire codebase. Suggestions are context-aware across files.
2. Chat Interface
Ask questions about your code. Get explanations, refactoring suggestions.
3. Multi-file Edits
Cursor can edit multiple files at once. Copilot can't.
4. Composer Mode
Describe what you want to build. Cursor generates the entire feature.
Real-World Example
Task: Add authentication to a Flask app
Copilot:
- Suggested login function
- I had to manually create routes, templates, database models
- Time: 3 hours
Cursor:
- I described: "Add JWT authentication with login/register routes"
- Cursor generated: routes, models, templates, middleware
- Time: 45 minutes
Pricing Comparison
GitHub Copilot
- Individual: $10/month
- Business: $19/user/month
- Free: For students, open-source maintainers
Cursor
- Free: 2,000 completions/month
- Pro: $20/month (unlimited)
- Business: $40/user/month
Limitations
Copilot
- No codebase awareness
- Can't edit multiple files
- No chat interface
Cursor
- Only works in Cursor IDE (VS Code fork)
- More expensive
- Steeper learning curve
Who Should Use What?
✅ Use Copilot If:
- You're a student (it's free)
- You just want autocomplete
- You use JetBrains/Neovim
- Budget is tight ($10 vs $20)
✅ Use Cursor If:
- You want maximum productivity
- You work on complex codebases
- You're okay switching to Cursor IDE
- $20/month is worth 2+ hours/day saved
Final Verdict
Winner: Cursor
Cursor is objectively better for productivity. It's like Copilot on steroids.
But: If you're a student or on a budget, Copilot is still excellent.
My Choice: I switched to Cursor Pro and haven't looked back.
ROI: $20/month to save 2.4 hours/day = $0.33/hour. No-brainer.