Cursor vs Bolt.new
I tested Cursor and Bolt.new to see which one helps you code better. I wanted to see which tool could write code faster. Also, I checked if the code was good quality and easy to understand. I even tried to make some mistakes to see how well they fix bugs. It was like a coding race between two smart helpers!
Cursor is like a super-smart version of VS Code. Bolt.new is different because it runs right in your web browser. I made them both write a simple website. I asked them to fix some errors I put in the code on purpose. I wanted to see which one could handle the pressure.
Both tools use AI to help you code. They can write code for you, find mistakes, and even explain what the code does. But, they do it in different ways. One tool might be better for beginners. The other might be better for big projects.
In this comparison, you'll learn which tool is faster. You'll also see which one is easier to use. Plus, you'll find out which one makes fewer mistakes. This will help you pick the best AI coding helper for your needs.
Cursor Overview
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built as a fork of Visual Studio Code, designed to enhance developer productivity by integrating advanced artificial intelligence directly into the coding workflow...
Cursor allows users to write, edit, and refactor code using natural language instructions, making it accessible to both experienced developers and beginners.
The tool deeply understands the context of entire codebases, enabling sophisticated code analysis and multi-file edits.
Key features include AI-driven autocomplete, smart code improvement, plain language commands, in-context help, and debugging assistance. Cursor also integrates with Git, supports remote development via SSH, and is compatible with most VS Code extensions, themes, and keybindings.
Its agent mode can execute end-to-end coding tasks, and it offers privacy controls such as SOC 2 certification and a Privacy Mode that prevents remote code storage without user consent. Cursor is used by engineers at major tech companies and is positioned as a direct competitor to GitHub Copilot, differentiating itself with its multi-model support, deep codebase understanding, and seamless integration into existing developer workflows..
Bolt.new Overview
Bolt.new is an AI-powered, browser-based platform designed to enable users to prompt, develop, edit, and deploy full-stack web applications entirely within a web browser, eliminating the need for local setup or manual environment configuration...
Users can generate applications by describing desired features in natural language, after which Bolt.new produces the code and scaffolds both frontend and backend layers, including database integration. The built-in code editor supports real-time editing and testing, with instant feedback and AI-powered error detection and correction.
Deployment is streamlined via one-click integration with hosting services like Netlify or Bolt’s own hosting, and users can export codebases for external deployment.
Collaboration features allow multiple users to work together or export projects to GitHub.
Key differentiators include full-stack capabilities in-browser, AI-driven environment control, and automated setup and deployment.
Target users are developers, product managers, and designers seeking rapid prototyping, workflow automation, and simplified deployment for web applications.
While Bolt.new accelerates development and reduces setup friction, complex projects may require manual adjustments and effective prompt engineering.
Video Tutorials & Demos
Cursor
Cursor Overview
Bolt.new
Bolt.new Overview
Live Pricing Pages
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Feature Comparison
Most decisive differences first—expand to explore every scored metric.
Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis
Cursor
Strengths
- Excellent code generation capabilities
- Excellent language support capabilities
- Excellent performance speed capabilities
- Excellent customization capabilities
Areas for Improvement
- No free tier available
Bolt.new
Strengths
- Excellent learning curve capabilities
Areas for Improvement
- Limited language support features
- Limited customization features
- Limited documentation support features
Final Verdict
Cursor Takes the Lead
Our Recommendation
Cursor is the better choice with a score of 8.2/10. Cursor is much better at writing code - it beats Bolt.new by 2.6 points. Cursor got some big improvements in 2025. These updates make it even better. Cursor can do coding work automatically, which saves you time on big projects. Bolt.new has good points too - it's easy to use and works well for some tasks. But Cursor is the better choice for most teams.
Choose Cursor if:
- You frequently need to generate code from scratch
- Data privacy and security are top priorities
- You need a reliable and well-supported tool
Choose Bolt.new if:
- You want a tool that's easy to learn and use
- You need a reliable and well-supported tool
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