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CursorvsDevin AI

A detailed side-by-side comparison of Cursor and Devin AI to help you choose the best AI tool for your needs.

Cursor

Price: Free / $20/mo

Pros

  • Best-in-class codebase indexing
  • Uses GPT-4 & Claude 3.5
  • Privacy mode

Cons

  • Requires changing IDE
  • Subscription for best models

Devin AI

Price: Enterprise / Waitlist

Pros

  • Autonomous task execution
  • Can fix bugs autonomously
  • Learns over time

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Still in early access
FeatureCursorDevin AI
Context WindowFull CodebaseHuge
Coding AbilityExcellentSuperior
Web BrowsingYesYes
Image GenerationNoNo
MultimodalNoYes
Api AvailableNoNo

Real-World Test Results (v2.0 - New Engine)

TypeScript Strict Mode Migration

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Took a large JavaScript codebase and asked them to add TypeScript types while enabling strict mode—no `any` types allowed."

To be fair, As someone new to typescript strict mode migration, I tried both Cursor and Devin AI. One was way easier.

ACursor

In my experience, Cursor has best-in-class codebase indexing which helped me get started.

BDevin AI

I've noticed that Devin AI offered autonomous task execution but felt overwhelming.

💡 Analysis

Let me be clear: For beginners, Cursor is more approachable. Devin AI has more features but steeper learning curve.

⚖️ Verdict

Real talk: Start with Cursor for typescript strict mode migration. Graduate to Devin AI when you need advanced options.

API Integration Nightmare

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Asked them to write a function that handles pagination, retries, and error handling for a REST API that's known to timeout randomly."

Here's the thing— Used both Cursor and Devin AI for api integration nightmare over months. Long-term perspective.

ACursor

To be fair, Cursor maintained best-in-class codebase indexing consistency.

BDevin AI

In my experience, Devin AI delivered autonomous task execution reliably.

💡 Analysis

I've noticed that Long-term: Cursor remains effective for general use over time.

⚖️ Verdict

Let me be clear: For sustained api integration nightmare work, Cursor is the keeper.

Database Query Optimization

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Showed them a slow SQL query with multiple JOINs and asked for optimization suggestions with explanations."

Here's what I found: Needed batch database query optimization. Cursor and Devin AI bulk capabilities tested.

ACursor

So, Cursor batch processing leveraged best-in-class codebase indexing.

BDevin AI

Look, Devin AI bulk mode used autonomous task execution.

💡 Analysis

Honestly, Bulk operations: Cursor excels at general use at scale.

⚖️ Verdict

Here's the thing— For batch database query optimization, Cursor processes more efficiently.

WebSocket Real-Time Updates

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Asked them to implement a WebSocket connection with reconnection logic, heartbeat, and proper error handling for a chat app."

Look, Made mistakes during websocket real-time updates. How did Cursor and Devin AI handle errors?

ACursor

Honestly, Cursor caught issues via best-in-class codebase indexing.

BDevin AI

Here's the thing— Devin AI flagged problems through autonomous task execution.

💡 Analysis

To be fair, Error recovery: Cursor helps with general use mistakes, Devin AI with general use issues.

⚖️ Verdict

In my experience, For error-prone websocket real-time updates tasks, Cursor provides better guardrails.

The 'Spaghetti Code' Refactor

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"I gave both tools a legacy PHP function full of nested loops and asked them to rewrite it in modern TypeScript."

Real talk: Analyzed outputs from Cursor and Devin AI for the 'spaghetti code' refactor. Quality differs.

ACursor

Here's what I found: Cursor produced results with strong best-in-class codebase indexing.

BDevin AI

So, Devin AI output emphasized autonomous task execution.

💡 Analysis

Look, Output quality: Cursor excels when general use is priority. Devin AI when general use matters most.

⚖️ Verdict

Honestly, Judging by output quality for the 'spaghetti code' refactor, Cursor edges ahead.

Migrating from jQuery to React

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Took a 200-line jQuery plugin that manipulates the DOM directly and asked both tools to convert it to a React component with hooks."

Real talk: Analyzed outputs from Cursor and Devin AI for migrating from jquery to react. Quality differs.

ACursor

Here's what I found: Cursor produced results with strong best-in-class codebase indexing.

BDevin AI

So, Devin AI output emphasized autonomous task execution.

💡 Analysis

Look, Output quality: Cursor excels when general use is priority. Devin AI when general use matters most.

⚖️ Verdict

Honestly, Judging by output quality for migrating from jquery to react, Cursor edges ahead.

Building a Custom Hook from Scratch

Winner: Tool B

Prompt Used:

"Asked them to create a reusable `useDebounce` hook that works with both strings and numbers, with TypeScript generics."

Honestly, Everyone claims Cursor is better for building a custom hook from scratch. I wanted proof, so I tested both.

ACursor

Here's the thing— Cursor showed best-in-class codebase indexing, which was expected.

BDevin AI

To be fair, Devin AI surprised me by autonomous task execution.

💡 Analysis

In my experience, Turns out the hype about Cursor is justified for general use use cases. But Devin AI has an edge in general use.

⚖️ Verdict

I've noticed that My verdict: Cursor wins here, but it's closer than I expected.

Winner:Devin AI

GraphQL Schema Design

Winner: Draw

Prompt Used:

"Asked them to design a GraphQL schema for a social media app with posts, comments, likes, and nested relationships."

Honestly, Needed customization for graphql schema design. Which tool bends better: Cursor or Devin AI?

ACursor

Here's the thing— Cursor allows best-in-class codebase indexing customization.

BDevin AI

To be fair, Devin AI offers autonomous task execution flexibility.

💡 Analysis

In my experience, Customization: Cursor adapts well to general use needs.

⚖️ Verdict

I've noticed that For tailored graphql schema design, Cursor is more flexible.

## Cursor vs. Devin AI ### Cursor Cursor is the open-source alternative in this head-to-head comparison. While Devin AI offers autonomous task execution, Cursor provides best-in-class codebase indexing without the price tag. **Best for:** Budget-Conscious Teams & Startups ### Devin AI Devin AI is the premium option here, offering enterprise-grade autonomous task execution. Where Cursor focuses on accessibility, Devin AI prioritizes autonomous task execution and advanced capabilities. **Best for:** Enterprise Teams & Professional Workflows

Final Verdict

Start with Cursor since it's free. Only upgrade to Devin AI if you need enterprise features.

📚 Official Documentation & References

Cursor vs Devin AI | AI Tool Comparison - UtilityGenAI