OpenCursor / Free models
Free AI models for coding
You can use OpenCursor without paying anyone. It comes with two kinds of free models: OpenCode's free models, which need no account at all, and 18 models on the free tiers of seven providers, which each need a free key. Free (auto) moves to the next model when one reaches its daily limit.
Updated October 29, 2026
No account at all
OpenCode is an open source coding agent with a set of free models. OpenCursor installs it in one click and runs it for you, so you can start coding with AI without signing up anywhere. The exact free models change over time; OpenCursor reads the current list from OpenCode.
Free with a free key
These providers serve some models at no cost on their free tier. Each needs a key you create on their site in a minute or two, and OpenCursor walks you through it. Limits are set by the provider and change from time to time.
| Provider | Model | Context |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash | 128k |
| NVIDIA | GLM 5.3 Flash | 128k |
| NVIDIA | Kimi K2.6 | 128k |
| NVIDIA | Nemotron 3 Super | 128k |
| Z.ai | GLM 4.7 Flash | 200k |
| Z.ai | GLM 4.5 Flash | 128k |
| Groq | GPT-OSS 120B | 131k |
| Groq | Qwen 3.8 27B | 131k |
| Groq | Llama 3.3 70B | 131k |
| OpenRouter | Nemotron 3 Ultra | 1M |
| OpenRouter | Poolside Laguna S 2.1 | 128k |
| OpenRouter | North Mini Code | 128k |
| Google Gemini | Gemini 3.8 Flash | 1M |
| Google Gemini | Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite | 1M |
| Mistral | Mistral Medium 3.5 | 128k |
| Mistral | Codestral | 256k |
| SambaNova | DeepSeek V3.1 | 128k |
| SambaNova | GPT-OSS 120B | 128k |
That is 18 entries; GPT-OSS 120B is served by both Groq and SambaNova. With OpenRouter, any model it marks as free also works, including ones added after this list.
Free (auto)
Pick Free (auto) in the model menu and OpenCursor chooses for you. When a model reaches its limit, the next request goes to another free model you have connected, starting with the most generous limits. You keep working; nothing stops to ask you to pay.
When free is not enough
Free tiers are fine for learning, side projects and small changes. For long agent runs on a large codebase, a paid model or a subscription you already have will be faster and more capable. OpenCursor does not change: switch the model and keep going.
Questions
Is there a catch?
No. OpenCursor itself is free and MIT licensed, and the free models are free on the providers' own terms. Some providers may use free tier prompts to improve their models; check their policy if your code is sensitive, or use a local model.
Which free model is best for coding?
It depends on the day and the limits. Codestral is built for code and good at Tab completion; GPT-OSS 120B, DeepSeek and Gemini Flash are strong for chat and agent work. Free (auto) picks for you.
Do I need a credit card?
Not for OpenCursor and not for OpenCode's free models. Each provider sets its own sign up rules for its free tier.
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