OpenCursor / Compare
AI code editors compared
There are many ways to code with AI in 2026. This page puts the common ones side by side on the questions people ask most: is it open source, what does it cost to start, can you use your own key or a local model, and is it still maintained.
Updated October 29, 2026
At a glance
| Tool | What it is | License | To start | Own API key | Local models | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenCursor | Editor (Code-OSS) | MIT | Free | Yes, for every feature | Yes | Active |
| Cursor | Editor (VS Code fork) | Closed | Free plan, paid plans | Restricted | Not documented | Active |
| Windsurf, now Devin Desktop | Editor (VS Code fork) | Closed | Free plan, paid plans | Not documented | Not documented | Active, renamed |
| GitHub Copilot in VS Code | Extension and service | Closed service | Free plan, paid plans | Chat and agent, not completions | Yes, Ollama | Active |
| Zed | Editor (own engine) | GPL 3.0, Apache parts | Free with your own key | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Cline | Extension and CLI | Apache 2.0 | Free, pay your provider | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Kilo Code | Extension and CLI | MIT | Free, pay your provider | Yes | Yes | Active |
| OpenCode | Terminal agent | MIT | Free, free models | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Aider | Terminal agent | Apache 2.0 | Free, pay your provider | Yes | Yes | Slow releases |
| Void | Editor (VS Code fork) | Apache 2.0 | Free | Yes | Yes | Archived |
| Continue | Extension and CLI | Apache 2.0 | Free | Yes | Yes | No longer maintained |
| Roo Code | Extension (Cline fork) | Apache 2.0 | Free | Yes | Yes | Shut down |
Checked October 29, 2026, from each project's own site or repository. Tell us if something changed: github.com/noah-thing/open-cursor/issues
Using a plan you already pay for
Claude Code and Codex are included in Claude and ChatGPT plans, and they run in a terminal or in their own editor extensions. OpenCursor drives them from its own chat, so you get its diffs, checkpoints and modes on top of your plan. Zed does something similar with external agents. Most other tools here bill through an API key or their own subscription instead.
How to choose
- You want a polished commercial editor and do not mind a subscription: Cursor or Devin Desktop.
- You want to stay in VS Code itself: GitHub Copilot, Cline or Kilo Code.
- You want a fast native editor and bring your own key: Zed.
- You live in the terminal: OpenCode, Claude Code, Codex or Aider.
- You want a free, open source editor in the Cursor style that runs on any model, including the plan you already have: OpenCursor.
Questions
What is the best free AI code editor?
It depends on how you work. For a full editor in the Cursor style that is free and open source and works with any model, OpenCursor is built for that. Zed is a strong free option if you prefer a native editor with your own key. Cline and Kilo Code are free extensions if you want to stay in VS Code.
Which AI editors are open source?
OpenCursor (MIT), Zed (GPL 3.0 with Apache parts), and the extensions Cline, Kilo Code and Continue. Void is open source but archived. Cursor, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Trae and Kiro are closed source.
More: Claude Code and Codex · Free Claude Code alternative · Free models · Local models · Cursor alternative · Void alternative · Roo Code and Continue