Cursor CLI

Cursor CLI is a command-line interface that brings AI agent capabilities to any terminal or development environment. It allows AI models to generate files, run terminal commands, and search codebases directly from the command line. Solo developers can integrate it into their existing workflow regardless of their preferred IDE. The tool works with the same AI models available in the Cursor IDE subscription.

Strengths

Works across multiple environments including VSCode, JetBrains, Android Studio, Neovim, and standard terminals
Enables parallel agent execution, allowing multiple AI agents to run simultaneously in different terminals
Supports powerful automation capabilities for updating documentation, triggering security reviews, and building custom coding agents
Provides real-time steering to guide the agent as it works
Allows customization through rules, AGENTS.md files, and Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Includes review functionality to approve code changes directly in the terminal

Weaknesses

Still in beta with evolving security safeguards
Can read, modify, and delete files, and execute shell commands, requiring use only in trusted environments
CLI automation can generate significantly higher usage costs than IDE usage due to the ability to fire off hundreds of requests per hour
Requires an active Cursor subscription to access AI models
Less visual feedback compared to GUI-based AI coding tools

Best for

Developers who prefer terminal workflows, use non-Cursor IDEs, or need to automate coding tasks through scripts.

Pricing plans

Cursor CLI uses the same subscription tiers as the main Cursor product:

Hobby — $0/month — Limited Agent requests, limited Tab completions
Pro — $20/month — Extended Agent limits, unlimited Tab completions, $20 usage credit
Pro+ — $60/month — 3x usage on OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini models
Ultra — $200/month — 20x usage on all models, priority feature access
Teams — $40/user/month — Centralized billing, usage analytics, SAML/OIDC SSO
Enterprise — Custom pricing — Pooled usage, invoice billing, SCIM management

Note: Pricing switched to token-based billing in June 2025, with overage charges at API rates plus 20% margin.

Tech details

Type: Command-line AI coding agent
IDEs: Works with Cursor, VSCode, JetBrains, Android Studio, Neovim, Ghostty, Warp, Bash, and any terminal
Key features: Agent-driven code editing, real-time steering, custom rules and MCP support, terminal-based code review, script automation
Privacy / hosting: Cloud-based service; requires network connection to Cursor API
Models / context window: Works with any model as part of Cursor subscription; supports OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Google Gemini models; context window varies by selected model

When to choose this over Windsurf

You prefer working in terminal environments rather than GUI-based IDEs
You need to automate coding workflows through scripts or CI/CD pipelines
You use Neovim, JetBrains, or other non-Cursor IDEs but want access to Cursor Agent capabilities

When Windsurf may be a better fit

You prefer a unified IDE experience with integrated visual interface
You want a tool optimized specifically for GUI-based development workflows
You need more predictable pricing without risk of high token-based overage charges

Conclusion

Cursor CLI extends AI coding capabilities to terminal-first developers and automation workflows. It provides flexibility for developers who work outside traditional IDEs or need to integrate AI coding into scripts. The beta status means security features are still maturing. Developers should monitor token usage carefully as CLI automation can generate significantly higher costs than interactive IDE usage.