Claude Code vs Cursor vs Windsurf: side-by-side comparison
3 Code tools compared on the same grid. Joute score, pricing, business model, target profile.
Quick verdict
Our pick on this battle: Cursor (9.1/10, 18 €/month). Cheaper: Claude Code (18 €/month).
Side by side
Claude Code vs Cursor vs Windsurf: cards at a glance
Claude Code
Anthropic's coding agent, living in the terminal.
Price
18 €/month
Joute score
8.9/10
Model
Freemium
Verifiability
9/10
Cursor
The reference AI code editor, autocomplete at the forefront.
Price
18 €/month
Joute score
9.1/10
Model
Freemium
Verifiability
8/10
Windsurf
An agentic AI editor, direct competitor to Cursor.
Price
18 €/month
Joute score
8.7/10
Model
Freemium
Verifiability
4/10
Summary table
The table at a glance
| Criterion | Claude Code | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price | 18 €/month | 18 €/month | 18 €/month |
| Business model | Freemium | Freemium | Freemium |
| Joute score /10 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Verifiability /10 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| Official site | claude.com | cursor.com | windsurf.com |
Frequently asked
What we get asked about this battle.
Which to pick between Claude Code vs Cursor vs Windsurf in 2026?
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Our pick: Cursor (9.1/10, 18 €/month). But the verdict depends on your profile.
How does Joute compare these tools?
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Same grid for all: product quality (score /10), real price in euros, business model, and obsolescence risk. All accounts paid by us. Full method on /methode.