# Amp vs Cursor

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Cursor profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/cursor
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-cursor
- Last reviewed: November 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Cursor are both Coding AI tools. Cursor scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 7.9 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp offers an API. Only Cursor is available on iOS.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose Cursor if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.
- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support.
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Cursor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Cursor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Agents | Not listed | Yes |
| Cloud agents | Not listed | Yes |
| Tab and inline edits | Not listed | Yes |
| Codebase indexing | Not listed | Yes |
| Model choice | Not listed | Yes |
| Bugbot code review | Not listed | Yes |
| CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| Slack app and iOS app | Not listed | Yes |
| Marketplace and rules | Not listed | Yes |
| Privacy mode | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Cursor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## Cursor strengths

- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks
- Choice of models from several providers, including Cursor's own
- Covers editor, CLI, web, Slack, iOS and PR review in one product
- Privacy mode and SOC 2 and ISO certifications for team use

## Cursor limitations

- Third-party model usage is billed separately from the plan at API list price
- Pricing is bundled with Grok and uses weekly usage pools, which makes costs harder to predict
- No Android app, and the iOS app only controls local agents
- Indexing can be heavy on very large repositories

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Cursor?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Cursor?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Amp or Cursor have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and Cursor is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Cursor?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.