Best IDEs for AI Coding: vs Code, Cursor, and Claude Code
VS Code paired with AI extensions like GitHub Copilot is the most popular choice for AI coding, offering flexibility and a robust ecosystem of tools. Users commonly pair it with terminal-based AI agents like Claude Code for deeper project understanding. Cursor stands out as a dedicated AI-powered IDE with strong autocomplete, plan mode, and generated code comparison features. Many users switch from VS Code plus Copilot to Cursor and report high satisfaction. Terminal-based tools like Claude Code CLI appeal to users who want AI that reads entire projects and handles multi-step refactors. Cost matters too: GitHub Copilot Pro runs around $10 per month and includes access to multiple models.

